April 9
Grizzly gulch, Silver and Days Fork to Spruces campground
Elevations, slope angles and aspects
7500-10400', angles over 35°, south, west and northerly aspects.
Snow conditions
3-10' of new snow was found, aspect and elevation dependent. The most snow was in upper Big Cottonwood, with amounts dwindling and density increasing in lower Days fork. Snow showers during the day added an inch or so of heavily rimed stellars and graupel.
Periods of strong wind during snow showers created a density change within the new snow. That was quite active
with ski cuts producing a long running shallow slide into Hideaway park.
The slide continued pulling snow off both sides of the gully as it descended 600' or so.
Ski cuts did not release the drift at the top of the Finger chutes in Days fork, however, a natural was discovered at the upper breakover.
(apologies for photo quality)
The slide was, perhaps, 100' wide and up to 8" deep. It ran all the way to the lower bench, maybe 800' vertical and released snow down to the old, crusted surface. No other activity was observed.
Weather conditions
Overcast with snow showers at times. Winds from the wnw, gusting to 30 mph. Moderate temperatures.
Evaluation
Instabilities were within new snow, the result of a windy period. That should stabilize quickly
Future instability would be lingering wind drifts, increasing if the wind continues and wet activity from day time heating.
© wowasatch.com