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Observation: Uintas

Observation Date
12/16/2018
Observer Name
Brackelsberg/Janulaitis
Region
Uintas
Location Name or Route
SW Uintas
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Speed
Calm
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
A variety of snow surfaces ranging from from great skiing dense loose to some sun crusts to wind affected snow up high.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
The 45cm of faceted base layer snow was our largest concern for today.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
We had positive results of a compression test with an irregular (Q3), but sudden planar failure at 20 taps. We performed 3 extended column tests, 2 had no results, but it took little effort to pull off the entire column (see video). The 3rd test we undercut our column by 10 cm and the entire column popped out onto us. This was at first a surprising result, but was similar to isolating the weak layer in a PST. The slab was quite dense so we are assuming that the column test energy was not reaching the weak layer.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
10,500'
Slope Angle
20°
Video
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates