Observation: Uintas 12/31/2011

Observer Name:

Ted Scroggin

Region:

Uintas

Observation Date:

12/31/2011

Location or Route:

Mill Creek, Elizabeth Ridge

Weather

Sky:

Few

Wind Direction:

Southwest

Wind Speed:

Strong

Weather Comments:

A little cold on the north slope today, even in the sunshine the temperatures were still on the cool side and add a stiff wind and it felt like December in the Uintas.

Snow Characteristics

New Snow Depth:

New Snow Density:

Medium

Snow Surface Conditions:

Powder

Dense Loose

Wind Crust

Snow Characteristic Comments:

Surprised to find a few new inches this morning at the trailhead. The winds have been very strong throughout the range. Even in the low to mid elevations there is inverted conditions, with stiff wind drifted snow sitting on top of very weak faceted snow to the ground.

Red Flags

Recent Avalanches

Wind Loading

Cracking

Collapsing

Red Flag Comments:

Collapsing and cracking of the recent wind drifted snow was the common theme today. I was getting numerous whoomphing sounds as I traveled along the ridgelines and even in flat terrain.

Primary Concern

Primary Concern:

Wind Slabs

Probability:

Considerable

Aspect:

North

Northeast

East

Elevation:

High

Mid

Trend:

Same

Primary Concern Comments:

Winds today were hammering the upper elevations stripping away any snow that was available for transport and depositing it low down on the leeward slopes.

snow_profile_location:

Comments - Photos - Videos (group 1)

I observed this natural avalanche on a northeast aspect in upper Mill Creek. I'm not sure when it occurred and it looks like it was more than just a surface sluff.

Comments - Photos - Videos (group 2)

The cornices are becoming large enough to break on their own. This one broke into weak snow to the ground as it hit the slope below.

Comments - Photos - Videos (group 3)

Out on the north side of Elizabeth Ridge the strong winds are grabbing every bit of snow available and depositing it on to the leeward side creating these huge and unstable wind slabs.

Observed Danger Rating:

Considerable

Forecast Danger Rating:

Considerable