Observation: Tower Mountain

Observation Date
1/1/2022
Observer Name
Mark Staples
Region
Uintas » Tower Mountain
Location Name or Route
Tower Mountain area
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Clear, sunny, and cold. Winds were surprisingly strong at exposed ridgelines. Winds were calm as soon as you lost a little elevation.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
12"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
5 start riding conditions
Comments
Dug on a southerly aspect to verify that there was no PWL. All the snow since December 9th is resting on dirt. And all that snow is well bonded to itself.
Bill Nalli put it best - it is a tale of two snowpacks. One has a pwl at the ground and one does not.
Video
Video below shows winds transporting a surprising amount of snow. It was very easy to avoid the winds by losing just a little bit of elevation. Notice the snow being blown off the trees in the distance.
Video
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates