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Observation: Mary Ellen Gulch

Observation Date
1/26/2024
Observer Name
Grainger, Kelly
Region
Provo » American Fork » Mary Ellen Gulch
Location Name or Route
Mary Ellen
Weather
Sky
Scattered
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Light
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
2"
New Snow Density
High
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
2" new snow on top of a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects and on lower angle and northerly aspects it was a nice refresh. Lower elevation below 8,000' solar aspects we noted some roller balls and wet loose isolated to the newest snow.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
The PWL is still present in many areas. We observed no cracking or collapsing where we traveled elevations 10,400'- 7,600' and all aspects.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Problem #2 Comments
Skier triggered 3" deep by 45' wide ran 100' vertical on a southeast facing aspect at 10,000' . This ran on a melt freeze crust and was not deep enough to have caused any trouble.
Photo of settlement cones around Aspen Trees in Dutchman Flats (northerly facing meadow at 7600').
Snow Profile
Aspect
Southeast
Elevation
8,300'
Slope Angle
26°
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates