Observation: Mt Olympus

Observation Date
2/28/2023
Observer Name
Scav & Big Dog
Region
Salt Lake » Mt Olympus
Location Name or Route
Mt. Olympus Zeus
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Problem #1 Comments
Wide spread dip n' dot graupel primarily deposited lower in the apron/run out of Medusa's face and Zeus. There were smaller isolated pockets below steep terrain features and where win had blew the graupel and it had collected. This graupel layer ranged from a few inches to multiple feet in depth. New snow and wind deposited snow is already starting to build up on this grauple layer. Based on the deposits of graupel it seemed that some of this graupel had already shed off of steeper terrain.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Problem #2 Comments
The graupel observed along with signs of wind loading were more than enough for us to call it. We pulled of to the side below a protected rock band to transition. While doing so a small wind slab broke loose with a ~ 1 foot crown quickly propagated growing to about 30 feet wide. The slide was relatively small but these slabs to grow as it receives more loading.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates