Observation: Patsy Marly

Observation Date
11/21/2013
Observer Name
Bruce Tremper
Region
Salt Lake » Little Cottonwood Canyon » Grizzly Gulch » Patsy Marly
Location Name or Route
North facing slopes in the Patsy Marly area between Alta and Solitude
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
East
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Easterly flow with canyon winds at the base of the canyons. Light snow all day with some fog in the lower canyons.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
3"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

New snow has come in dribs and drabs over the past 3 days with various densities, adding up to perhaps 6 inches and a couple of inches of very light snow on the surface. South and west facing slopes are still a rock garden but there is still some good coverage on northerly aspects with about 2 feet of snow. The new snow conceals the rocks, so watch out.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments

The main problem is persistent slabs on the upper elevation, north and east facing slopes. After all the avalanche activity last weekend, things have calmed down but that weak layer of depth hoar near the ground is still there and with the thin snow cover, there remains enough of a temperature gradient across it to keep it weak. The only thing lacking is enough weight on top. This last small storm did not weigh enough in most places to reactivate the layer. The exceptions will likely be recently wind loaded slopes and perhaps there are still a few high elevation, steep slopes that can still pop out about 2 feet deep or more in some places.

Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
10,000'
Slope Angle
20°
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates