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Observation: Uintas

Observation Date
1/12/2020
Observer Name
Brackelsberg/Janulaitis
Region
Uintas
Location Name or Route
Hoyt Peak
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Heavy snow during most of the day. Picked up ~6" of snow in the 5 hours we were out.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Extremely low-density snow. Thigh deep trail-breaking that was mostly effortless.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Red Flags Comments
We were expecting to find wind loading on the ridges, but the wind had been calm and we did not find signs of wind loading. If the wind picks up, wind loading will become a major issue. Heavy snow was falling. Our main concern was managing the new snow sluffing.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
There was lots of new low-density snow. This was our concern for the day. Cornice cuts did not result in any significant sliding.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
It was a very calm day in the Uintas. This won't last which will make wind drifted snow a big problem for the upcoming days. We had a low danger of wind drifted snow today, but I expect this to increase.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Southeast
Elevation
10,000'
Slope Angle
32°
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates