Observation: Uintas

Observation Date
12/31/2019
Observer Name
Bo Torrey & Zinnia Wilson
Region
Uintas
Location Name or Route
Currant Creek Peak
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
A beautiful day with mostly clear skies and cold temperatures. Winds were calm except for the most exposed ridge tops. What a way to finish of 2019.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
6"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Surface riding condition remained excellent today. Most slopes, except for upper elevation exposed terrain still held soft powder.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
The main concern today was the wind. We noted wind loading in multiple locations but it was confined to just off of upper elevation ridgelines. We saw a handful of wind slabs that had failed over the last few days. Most were small isolated pockets.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
The main problem we encountered today was freshly formed wind drifts on upper elevation aspects. These were primarily found on Southerly facing aspects. The fresh slabs were small and isolated but we did see evidence of some other larger wind slabs from the last several days. See photo below.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
We did not see any new evidence of this avalanche problem today. However, the way our snowpack is currently structured with strong snow stacked on top of weak snow is still enough for me to remain cautious and avoiding steep north-facing terrain. The good news is that we did not see widespread activity that is breaking into the buried weak layers of snow near the ground and our snowpit stability tests today were not producing failure on those weak layers. For me that doesn't mean we're out of the woods yet, I will be waiting to see what happens with this next storm. 1' to 2' of snow and some wind might add enough weight to the snowpack for those deep weak layers to come to life and produce deep and deadly avalanches. Time will tell, stay tuned.
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
9,900'
Slope Angle
33°
Comments
Photo 1: An old Persistent Slab Avalanche (We dug out pit adjacent to this avalanche)
Photo 2: An older Wind Slab avalanche in Willow Creek Drainage South of Currant Creek
Photo 3: Snow Pit Profile
Photo 4: 3-4 Millimeter Facets
Photo 5: Red Sky at Night, Sledders delight!
Today's Observed Danger Rating
None
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None
Coordinates