Fall Auction is now live! Check it out now
Ad
The National Forest Service Logo
icon-add Observation
Forecasts
Logan Ogden Salt Lake Provo Uintas Skyline Moab Abajos Weather Archives How to read the forecast
Observations & Avalanches
Submit Observation NEW - Observations Explorer All Observations Avalanches Fatalities Place Names Map Archives
Education
Avalanche Awareness Develop Skills On-Snow Courses Resources and Tutorials
Events
Store
About
Contact Who we are Core Values Staff Board of Directors Past Forecasters Sponsors Annual Reports Sign In
Blog
icon-add Observation
Donate / Join

Observation: Wolf Creek Bowl

Observation Date
12/3/2023
Observer Name
Hoffman, Manship, Katz, Bridges
Region
Uintas » Wolf Creek Bowl
Location Name or Route
Wolf Creek Bowl
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
The sky was consistently overcast with light snowfall throughout the tour. Winds were light gusting moderate in more protected terrain. Rideglines had sustained moderate wind.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
10"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
Snow was dense and presented as inverted after the storm. Graupel and rimed grains were present on snow surfaces. Wind-affected snow was found on ridge lines.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
The new slab produced by the storm contributed to many red flags today. Exceptionally weak snow structure is noted in the pits below.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
9,300'
Slope Angle
15°
Comments
Two rounds of stability tests produced propagation at two interfaces.
1) down 28cm on faceted snow at the new/old snow interface
2) down 37cm on depth hoar above a decomposing crust
Of note - The ECTP4 down 37cm in the snow pit fractured and propagated with energy!
Preserved surface hoar found in pit
Today's Observed Danger Rating
High
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
High
Coordinates