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Observation: Moffit Basin

Observation Date
2/5/2018
Observer Name
CBrown
Region
Uintas » Bear River Ranger District » Bear River West Fork » Moffit Basin
Location Name or Route
Moffit Basin
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
None of forecasted snow fell during the day. Skies cleared some throughout the day. Winds were light to moderate with some higher gusts. Air temp around noon was negative 6C
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
2"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments

2-3" of medium to high density precip fell over night. New snow was comprised of mostly graupel, some 2-3mm, some smaller graupel particles. The new snow drastically improved riding conditions. Still some wind crust, MF crust and sun crust around on the surface where the wind blew the new snow off.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
The new snow was not natually overloading old PWL's, but I did observe one natural soft slab wind slab avalanche on East aspect above 10,000'. Poor structure remains, but the pack seems "tired" and strengthing in places.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments

New shallow SS wind slabs seemed to be the most apparent issue today. With continued winds and snow available for transport I suspect these will grow and become stiffer and more stubborn.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments

Structure remains with buried PWL's and weak snow above the Thanksgiving day crust. Layer was about 110cm from the surface where we dug. Triggered a HS-AB(2#)-R3-D2 at 10,600' NE on the above mentioned weak layer, 3-4' deep 200' wide ran about 400-500'. Observed more propagation than expected. PST 35/110 (End) down 110cm on weak layer. See pit below for more info.

Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
10,600'
Slope Angle
36°
Comments

Pictures of above mentioned PS avalanche.

Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate