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Observation: Uintas

Observation Date
11/28/2020
Observer Name
Ted Scroggin
Region
Uintas
Location Name or Route
Gold Hill
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Clear skies, calm winds in the basin with some light wind up on the ridge line. Pleasant temps in the sun and cool in the shade and a nice day in the mountains.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Faceted Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
Some surface hoar this morning from a few nights of clear and cold temperatures and a general weakening of the surface snow throughout the Gold Hill Basin. There is anywhere from 16-24" on the north facing slopes around the area with some pretty thin snow conditions on the south facing slopes.
Red Flags
Red Flags Comments
No red flags and the weather not changing the avalanche conditions for the time being. Once the storms return and we get some decent snow amounts, the avalanche hazard will likely be on the rise as the snow pack will continue to grow weak over time.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Normal Caution
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Early season conditions out there with variable snow amounts and still many rocks and tree hazards.
Comments
Not quite full winter riding conditions and there are a few different ways to move around. Some folks choosing the wheeled or tracked option and some have gone with sleds, but still many obstacles to watch out for.
No real concerns yet with the snow pack, but I did notice a couple things to watch going forward. The crystal card stuck in the pit wall is showing a thin wind slab that developed recently and this might lead to some weak faceted, sugary snow around this layer as time goes on. Also, near the ground is some old late October sugary weak snow that might be something to watch.
A couple photos of Gold Hill Basin.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low
Coordinates