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Observation: Whitney Basin-Double Hill

Observation Date
12/15/2023
Observer Name
Ted Scroggin
Region
Uintas » Whitney Basin-Double Hill
Location Name or Route
Whitney Basin/Double Hill
Weather
Sky
Clear
Weather Comments
Very nice day with clear skies, clam winds and quite mild temperatures. It did not feel like a December day on the north slope.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Faceted Loose
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Rain-Rime Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Generally nice supportable snow, I did notice a thin rime crust from the mid-week low clouds that may have been in the area, but this did not affect the snow quality. The surface is growing weak from the cold nights and clear days, but the snow pack is holding up rather well.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
The snow pack feels like it has generally adjusted to the current conditions, although it is still possible to get a crack to propagate across a column in snow pits with a few hard hits from the shoulder.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Comments
The highway still has some mixed use near the north slope trail head until the gate closes.
The ride into Whitney Basin is a little thin on snow cover at the low and mid elevations.
Pretty supportable snow out there, I think the heavy, wet and dense snow from early this month has helped the snow pack gain a little strength, although it is easy to locate weak snow near the ground.
Double Hill and the upper Whitney Basin look fairly good for the middle of December.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low
Coordinates