Observation: Uintas 1/20/2012

Observer Name:

Joe McFarlane, Ted Scroggin

Region:

Uintas

Observation Date:

01/20/2012

Location or Route:

Hwy 150, Mirror Lake

Weather

Sky:

Obscured

Wind Direction:

West

Wind Speed:

Light

Weather Comments:

Mostly low clouds with some partial clearing late this afternoon.

Snow Characteristics

New Snow Depth:

New Snow Density:

Medium

Snow Surface Conditions:

Powder

Snow Characteristic Comments:

Somewhat improved riding conditions as far as hazards getting covered, but it's still mostly riding on the ground with no base out there.

Red Flags

Recent Avalanches

Wind Loading

Cracking

Collapsing

Red Flag Comments:

Widespread cracking and loud collapses everywhere we traveled.

Primary Concern

Primary Concern:

Persistent Slabs

Probability:

High

Aspect:

North

Northeast

East

Southeast

Elevation:

High

Mid

Trend:

Same

Primary Concern Comments:

Many mid and higher elevation slopes are primed and ready to slide and are just waiting for a trigger.

snow_profile_location:

Comments - Photos - Videos (group 1)

We were able to get plenty of good information regarding the high hazard of the conditions out there by testing the road cuts along Hwy 150. Many slopes just needed a trigger and we only had to get our machines off the packed trail a few feet before the slope would collapse, crack and release.

Comments - Photos - Videos (group 2)

Comments - Photos - Videos (group 3)

Comments - Photos - Videos (group 4)

This slide was triggered by the groomer and was over 100' wide.

Observed Danger Rating:

High

Forecast Danger Rating:

High