Observation: Reids Peak

Observation Date
11/21/2021
Observer Name
Derek DeBruin
Region
Uintas » Reids Peak
Location Name or Route
Reids Peak
Weather
Weather Comments
Did some climbing on the NE side of Reids and found mostly clear skies, with diminishing wind throughout the day. There was definitely snow available for transport and the wind to make that happen this morning, with rooster tails on the ridge lines, cornices forming, and wind ripples across the terrain. Certain terrain features also exhibited dueling easterly and westerly winds with small cornices in both directions.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
4"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
3-4" of new snow above 10k feet, low to medium density powder. Protected zones held surface hoar in the morning, but it had all fallen down by sunset. Evidence of graupel in a few places at the bottom of the 3-4" of new snow.
Red Flags
Red Flags Comments
Nothing of particular concern. Hand shears showed good bonding with the old snow as well as lack of cohesion to create a surface slab, even in wind affected zones. The wind slab formed in the lee of ridgelines featured F to 4F snow and was just not very slab like; even the cornices were quite soft. Noted two minor natural loose dry sluffs that happened overnight, plus a handful of rollerballs in the morning sun.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
None
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None