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Observation: Double Hill

Observation Date
3/26/2016
Observer Name
Ted Scroggin
Region
Uintas » Bear River Ranger District » Whitney Basin » Double Hill
Location Name or Route
Double Hill
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Direction
Northeast
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Overcast and grey in Evanston this morning, but up on the forest it was mostly clear and cold with 1 degree at the trailhead. A few clouds throughout the day, but it remained mostly sunny in the Whitney area with a cool northeast breeze. Up the highway towards Bald Mt. it looked like thicker clouds hanging around the higher peaks.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
4"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
A few new inches from yesterday to freshen things up and the riding and turning continues to be quite good right now. The cool northeast breeze kept the snow conditions from geting too damp today unless you were down low in the direct sun.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Cracking
Red Flags Comments
Some minor soft wind slabs today on the northerly aspects that were very manageable and would break at your skis and sled. These were about 10-12" deep and failing on some lighter density snow that was sitting on top of older firm snow. You needed to be on a fairly steep break over to find these somewhat sensitive soft slabs and once the slope angle decreased the problem decreased as well.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
A few minor soft slabs just off the higher ridge lines that were very manageable and would break at your sled and skis. About 10-12" deep and not running far.
Comments
This natural avalanche on the south end of Double Hill was likely triggered by a cornice fall that released and only involved the newer surface snow as it moved down hill. I parked the sled on the toe of the debris which is not very deep, but enough snow to knock a rider off their sled or a person on skis or board.
These shallow soft slabs just off the ridge lines were only 10-12" deep and breaking at your sled and skis, were manageable and did not travel very far once you loose the slope angle.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low