Observation: Uintas 12/31/2009

Observer Name:

scroggin

Region:

Uintas

Location or Route:

North slope Uintas- Double Hill

Weather

Sky:

Clear

Wind Direction:

Southwest

Wind Speed:

Moderate

Weather Comments:

Mostly clear skies this morning with very cold temperatures, light to moderate winds from the southwest which was creating fresh shallow wind slabs. The afternoon saw some high clouds filter in.

Snow Characteristics

New Snow Depth:

12"

New Snow Density:

Medium

Snow Surface Conditions:

Powder

Snow Characteristic Comments:

At the lower elevations (8,500') we received between 6-8" and upwards of 12" at the 10,000' elevation. The riding and turning conditions have improved greatly.

I could get a nice fresh soft slab to break in front of my skis, 10-12" in depth and given a steep enough slope these could run a fair distance.

Red Flags

Recent Avalanches

Wind Loading

Cracking

Red Flag Comments:

I observed some fresh and older natural avalanches within the new snow, today's winds were blowing and drifting the new snow creating fresh wind slabs which were cracking a few feet in front of my skis and machine.

Primary Concern

Primary Concern:

Wind Slabs

Probability:

Moderate

Aspect:

Northeast

East

Elevation:

High

Mid

Trend:

Same

Secondary Concern

Secondary Concern:

Persistent Slabs

Probability:

Considerable

Aspect:

North

Northeast

East

Northwest

Elevation:

High

Mid

Trend:

Same

snow_profile_location:

Comments - Photos - Videos (group 1)

Although not widespread, there was plenty of evidence of a natural avalanche cycle.

Comments - Photos - Videos (group 2)

Observed Danger Rating:

Moderate

Forecast Danger Rating:

Considerable