Observation: Wolverine Cirque

Observation Date
3/18/2020
Observer Name
Chasen/Moran
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Wolverine Cirque
Location Name or Route
Wolverine Cirque
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Winds were picking up around 1100 this morning and starting to cause some concern on N through E facing aspects. New snow was sliding effortlessly on the new/old snow interface and with some more snow, and continued winds gusting in the area of 30-40 mph, the danger level will continue to go up. With that being said, we didn't see a whole lot of wind loading before the winds picked up.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Not a huge concern YET, however with the new snow being as touchy as it is and because it has a nice surface to slide on this could continue to be an issue throughout this storm cycle. Pretty much everything we touched today sluffed, with the biggest sluffs coming out of Heaven's Gate, as we were skinning back from Wolverine. 5-6 inches deep at the most. Be cautious around terrain traps and other high consequence areas.
Comments
Great snow on N-NE aspects, especially in the more protected areas of Wolverine Cirque. It was even decent skiing out of Grizzly on the way back. With temperatures looking to stay a little cooler than they have been, it could be good skiing in the backcountry for the next few days. New snow and wind loading are definitely things to keep an eye on.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates