Observation Date
12/4/2022
Observer Name
C Alden & J Hirshorn
Region
Uintas
Location Name or Route
Wolf Creek Pass/ Duchesne Ridge
Comments
Dug 2 pits on Wolf Creek Pass off of the Duchesne Ridge to analyze northern aspect snowpack structure along with wayward aspect snowpack following strong winds from late last week. Pit #1 was next to the Wolf Creek Snotel, north aspect at 6 degrees and 9,800 ft in elevation. Pit #2 was a SE face at 12 degrees and 9,730 ft in elevation. See Snow Pilot data above for full pit breakdown of Pit 1. Pit 2 Snow Pilot breakdown in additional photos below. Hand hardness test also completed in Pit 2.
Skinning in the flats produced collapsing and instability varying with most (if not all) steps. Wind loaded slopes in the surrounding areas produced avalanches off ridgelines breaking down to the mid-November facet layer. Transport of snow via wind became more evident as the cold front rolled in around 17:00. Moral of the story: the signs are as present as ever that the backcountry will be tricky for quite some time. If the slab gets any harder in this zone, it could produce some serious avalanches in the near future (D2 or worse).
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable