Observation Date
2/13/2020
Observer Name
Zimmerman-Wall/SMG
Region
Provo » American Fork » Mary Ellen Gulch
Location Name or Route
Mary Ellen Gulch
Comments
Winds decreased and clouds thinned as morning went on. Conditions continue to support nearly unlimited travel. Old snow surface firm, consistent and edgeable. A few inches of new low density snow and wind drifted snow has enhanced riding conditions along with suspected recrystallization overnight through cold temps. Upper snowpack temp crusts exist on southerly aspects. Not currently an issue but will watch for reactivation with added load. These interfaces exhibited the ability to initiate sudden fractures, but no propagation. The most concerning is the apparent crust/facet combo that formed on Feb 2nd down aboout 55cm at 10,000 on SE-S facing slopes. Will have to see how the next storm produces too see if this is truly a problem. The rime crust issue was not pronounced in this drainage, however, you could feel the old snow surface texture had properties that indicate some sort of interesting weather event had taken place during the days prior to the latest dusting. Previous natural avalanche activity in Y-not Buttress (ran to creek) and Miller Hill Chutes (ran to transition) was noted and covered up by the new snow.
![](https://utahavalanchecenter.org/sites/default/files/styles/observation_image/public/images/observations/2019-20/SugarCliffWet_Feb2020.jpg?itok=2EbGisPi)
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low
Coordinates