Observation: Patsy Marly

Observation Date
11/20/2023
Observer Name
Ambler, Smith
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Grizzly Gulch » Patsy Marly
Location Name or Route
Patsy Marley
Weather
Sky
Broken
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
At the time of the dig the clouds were swirling around upper LCC but later in the day the sky was mostly clear and the sun was shining.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
16"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
The new snow offers a greatly enhanced riding experience. However it also does a great job hiding rocks. The tide is still low.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #1 Comments
There are multiple layers of snow in various stages of decomposition with a few crusts and now a growing slab on top.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
10,100'
Slope Angle
27°
Comments
I'm not sure which layer will be the most problematic in the future but the big jagged crystals at the bottom sure are something to look at. I did not have the foresight to take a good photo so below is a grainy screenshot of the crystals previously referenced. Dry facets were found with increasing advancement towards the ground. I dug this pit in a relatively deep spot which was probed to be free of rock intrusions. Wherever we went today we managed to find the shallow spots where the rocks thrust up through the underlying foundation into the new snow.
Below is a photo of LCC in her fresh white coat
Today's Observed Danger Rating
None
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None
Coordinates