Observation Date
12/19/2023
Observer Name
Staples & Martin
Region
Uintas » Gold Hill
Location Name or Route
Gold Hill
Comments
I was looking at two possible weak layers today.
- The old snow from November - this is unreactive now. It will certainly wake up on the north side of Gold Hill after several snow storms or one big one. I suspect there are many other shallow areas like this.
- Near surface snow - we have been finding a lot of weak, sugary, faceted snow near the surface. Today, it didn't seem like it will be much of a problem (at least where we rode). The "near-surface facets" were very small and not too faceted. Perhaps warm weather has helped some? But I know there are some north facing slopes that still harbor very weak snow near the surface. This layer could be tricky as it may end up being pockety.
Photo 1 - snowpit on the north side of Gold Hill under the big avalanche paths
Photo 2 - close up photo of near surface facets (that aren't very faceted)
Photo 3 - close up of the snow that fell today
Photo 4 - snowmobile tracks showing how supportable the snow is. It was pretty supportable riding on one ski as well.
Photo 5 - Looking south at Hayden Peak
Photo 6 - Looking at the north side of Gold Hill
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low
Coordinates