Observation: Double Hill

Observation Date
3/29/2018
Observer Name
Craig Gordon
Region
Uintas » Bear River Ranger District » Whitney Basin » Double Hill
Location Name or Route
Moffit Basin environs
Weather
Sky
Scattered
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Westerly winds overnight created localized drifts on the leeward side of ridges
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
2"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments

South half of the compass offers dust on crust, whilst the north half still harbors soft snow

Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
Recent winds creating pockety, yet very manageable and predictable soft slabs
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Problem #1 Comments

Predictable wind drifts, easily triggered with the weight of a rider and breaking about 12" deep on steep, leeward slopes

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #2 Comments

This slide triggered last Saturday resulting in a near miss, is quite impressive and broke to the dirt where the snowpack was weak. While I think last weeks rain followed by the recent cold snap is helping to lock the snowpack in place, I'd be keeping an eye on steep slopes once we transition into the full swing, spring thing.... especially if we go several nights without a solid refreeze.

Comments

A stunning day on the eastern front

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