Snowpack

Observation: Alta Periphery

Eric G ShmooklerSalt Lake
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Quick report

Red Flags
Wind Loading, Cracking, Collapsing, Poor Snowpack Structure

Snowpack

Instability Comment
<p>Went on a windy Alta periphery walk today.</p> <p> </p> <p>Route was Grizzly Gulch &gt; Patsy Marley &gt; Wolverine Bowl &gt; Lake Martha &gt; Lake Catherine &gt; Catherine's Pass.</p> <p> </p> <p>Light snow and moderate to strong easterly winds throughout the day.</p> <p> </p> <p>Travel from the microwave (drive-in movie) sign to summit of Mt. Wolverine was tricky due to low coverage and poor snowpack structure on this steeper, west-facing terrain. About 10cm of large grain facets noted near the ground in this location required restricting travel to low angle avenues.</p> <p> </p> <p>We also experienced a large collapse on an east facing slope at 9900 ft above Lake Martha.</p> <p> </p> <p>Hazard was managed in this complex terrain by connecting low angle paths (challenging).</p> <p> </p>