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Observation: Whitney Basin

Observation Date
1/2/2024
Observer Name
Ted Scroggin
Region
Uintas » Whitney Basin
Location Name or Route
Whitney Basin-Double Hill
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
South
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Mostly clear skies, just a few clouds off in the distance to the south. The winds stayed mostly calm to light with a slight bump in wind speeds from the south early afternoon. Temperatures were pleasant even up on the ridge tops.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Faceted Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Seemed like there was no shortage of weak faceted snow on the surface all around the compass. Generally the snow pack seems to be holding up, but there are those shallow places around bushes and terrain features that felt punchy with bottomless weak sugary snow.
Red Flags
Red Flags Comments
No red flags today where I traveled.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Normal Caution
Trend
Same
Comments
This snow pit on a northeast facing slope on the north end of Double Hill had no propagation with an ECT test. The column of snow just mushed down after several hard hits from the shoulder. It felt like the snow pack had no energy at this location. Seems like the slab that is in the middle of the snow pack has gotten less slab like.
Even on the ridge lines the weak faceted snow on the surface has developed with the calm mild weather.
The snow around bushes and depressions is quite punchy and unsupportable and has some of the weakest snow I found.
Hope the storms that are forecasted this week deliver and improve the overall snow conditions. It is still very thin down around the trail head.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low
Coordinates