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Observation: Uintas

Observation Date
1/11/2020
Observer Name
Weston D, Shaun D WPT Rec 2
Region
Uintas
Location Name or Route
Upper Webber
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Light precip in the AM even had blue skies for a minute. Afternoon had moderate to heavy snowfall.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
12"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Roughly 18" of low density snow on top of a melt freeze crust. In low and mid elevation sheltered terrain low density snow lacked cohesion on SE and aspects. As we moved into more exposed mid elevation terrain where winds could get at snow surface saw evidence of snow surface becoming more cohesive on specific and isolated terrain features on mainly the Northerly Aspects. Found Facets above melt freeze crust but with no strong slab over top it was non reactive where we traveled. Did see evidence of melt freeze crust on North East aspect around 9600'.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Poor Snowpack Structure
Comments
Test profiles revealed high spatial variability on 9500ft SE aspects, both in test results and height of snow. Compression tests's showed initiation but at various loading steps. Extended column tests all had initiation but no propagation.
Moving observations noted wind transport at the mid elevation band, 12"-18" of new snow and the presence of crusts were widespread on southerly aspects below the new snow and observed on N aspect @9600'
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
High
Coordinates