Glacier Gulch

Toured up to 11,600’ from Glacier Gulch in mostly south through east facing terrain. In the upper elevations, winds of varying direction and speed have redistributed the 2-4” of snow that fell on Friday (1/17). We found small pockets of 4-6” thick wind slab above 11,000’ that were reactive to the weight of a skier, but sluggish. It appeared that these small slabs were only reactive in very steep (~40°) south facing terrain where a stout crust is sitting below the snow that fell on Friday (1/17). This activity would really only pose a threat to a person in exposed terrain where being knocked off your feet could have high consequences.

A 3-4cm thick crust that formed during the days on January 15^th and 16^th is present under the most recent snow in south facing terrain up to 11,600’. The recent snow has been slow to bond to this crust in very steep terrain. This will be a layer to track as we bury the crust with additional snowfall at some point in the future.