Observation: Y Coulior

Observation Date

2/20/2019

Observer Name

Cravens

Region

Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Y Coulior

Location Name or Route

Y Couloir

Red Flags

Wind Loading

Poor Snowpack Structure

Avalanche Problem #1

Problem

Wind Drifted Snow

Problem #1 Comments

Upper elevations (>9000') in the couloir were heavily windloaded.

Large cornices built up on summit ridge several obvious wind drifts on exposed ridges and subridges.

Avalanche Problem #2

Problem

Persistent Weak Layer

Problem #2 Comments

Storm slab/wind slabs observed with strong cohesion on top of faceted layer.

Faceted layer ~2' deep, 24"+ thick (to ground)

Snow Profile

Aspect

North

Elevation

9,200'

Comments

Almost instantaneous change in snowpack above 9000'- mostly stable snowpack became very spooky very quickly.

Today's Observed Danger Rating

Considerable

Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating

Considerable

Coordinates