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Observation: Uintas

Observation Date
1/28/2020
Observer Name
Heaton/Heaton
Region
Uintas
Location Name or Route
Wolf Creek Pass
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
We observed a weak layer in our snowpit about 55 cm down. We did a shovel shear test and this layer did "pop", but didn't slide off the block very well. It was just interesting to observe the well-bonded block and the sugary layer it slid on. In the CT and ECT, there was no collapse or propagation.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
We observed steady transporting of snow over ridges and depositing on leeward slopes. We also observed heavy warming on rocky southfacing bands. Googoo balls were forming by 10:00 AM.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
9,500'
Comments
Overall, there's still some dangers to beware of in the snowpack. Wind loading over the ridges and cross loading persists as the winds continue. We found many buried layers on the north-facing aspect. If faceting continues in some of these layers they may become a problem in the future.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable