Observation: Currant Creek

Observation Date
1/9/2022
Observer Name
Gordon, Nassetta
Region
Uintas » Currant Creek
Location Name or Route
Currant Creek Peak
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
It was a beautiful day in the Western Uintas, with trailhead temps at 8,000' in the high-teens around 1000. Skies were sunny with a few lingering clouds and touches of wind. Temps stayed cool throughout the day with clear skies, as winds began to pick up out of the northwest in the afternoon on the way back to the barn.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Characteristics Comments
Our travels took us to Currant Creek Peak today via Nobletts trailhead for some weather station work, and of course along the way snuck in some quality control testing.
The wind had its way with much of the exposed terrain at mid to upper elevations, leaving dense wind slabs and west faceing aspects stripped in its path. That being said, with the impressive amount of snow and water that the range has been getting, things are white and the riding conditions are in pretty good shape.
We found creamy turns on the south half of the compass, in protected terrain around 9,500 feet, out of the wind zone. Almost anything that the wind got at is either completely stripped, or has formed dense wind-drits and punchy surface conditions.
Red Flags
Red Flags Comments
We noted no obvious signs of instability throughout our travels.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #1 Comments
Although we are heading into the middle of the season and riding is getting good, we should continue to be concerned and monitor weak, sugary, faceted snow near the ground that is the culprit of the persistent weak layer avalanche problem. Although the likelihood of triggering one of these avalanches is going down, the consequences remain the same.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates