Observation Date
11/28/2018
Observer Name
Cody Hughes
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Grizzly Gulch
Location Name or Route
Grizzly Gulch
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
A few flurries while I was in the mountains today. High RH and cloud cover.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Faceted Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
Where I was traveling today in grizzly gulch the snow surface consisted of powder snow and loose small grained facets.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Saw many tracks in red flagged areas today on steep north facing patsy marly trees. Poor snowpack structure was obvious with boot penetration to the ground and when digging my snowpit.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Faceted layers beginning 36 cm's below the surface are the major concern. Any slab avalanche failing on this layer will most likely step down to the faceted layer on the ground. See profile below. Where I dug my snowpit I was finding a 4 finger slab sitting on top of weak facets below. I was in a more protected area where the snow did not seem to be wind driven. Although there was only a 4 finger slab on top, my snow stability tests were still producing results. The snowpack was basically faceted from the ground up to 36 cm's. In the more exposed steeper terrain where you can find a little bit more stiff of a slab, avalanches seem to be very likely.
Snow Profile
Aspect
West
Elevation
9,800'
Slope Angle
18°
Comments
There is a strong temperature gradient around the crust near the ground. This high temperature gradient seems to be breaking down the crust and turning the crystals into facets. Noted faceting beginning to occur on the surface. High RH and overcast sky's slowing the faceting process down a little on the surface. Forgot to get photo of the snowpit.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
