Observation: Uintas 1/22/2012

Observer Name:

Ted Scroggin

Region:

Uintas

Observation Date:

01/22/2012

Location or Route:

Upper Whitney Basin

Weather

Sky:

Few

Wind Direction:

Northwest

Wind Speed:

Light

Weather Comments:

Clear, but on the chilly side. It was nice to have some good visibility to see what took place these last few days.

Snow Characteristics

New Snow Depth:

20"

New Snow Density:

Medium

Snow Surface Conditions:

Powder

Snow Characteristic Comments:

What a difference a storm makes. Over the hood conditions with denser snow underneath and some lighter density snow on top. Riders looked to be enjoying the powder and staying off steep slopes.

Red Flags

Cracking

Collapsing

Red Flag Comments:

Still many collapses and cracking of the new slab.

Primary Concern

Primary Concern:

Persistent Slabs

Probability:

High

Aspect:

North

Northeast

East

Northwest

Elevation:

High

Mid

Trend:

Same

Primary Concern Comments:

Many slopes throughout the Whitney area have avalanched sometime during yesterdays wind and snow event.

snow_profile_location:

Comments - Photos - Videos (group 1)

Super Bowl had many slides with some of the crowns about mid-slope, maybe weaker snow further down the slope where the slab was not as deep and strong?

Comments - Photos - Videos (group 2)

There was some natural activity down on the south end of Double Hill. I would think lots of slopes are still needing a trigger to avalanche?

Observed Danger Rating:

High

Forecast Danger Rating:

High