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Observation: Soapstone

Observation Date
1/5/2024
Observer Name
Staples, Champion, Richards & DNR Rangers
Region
Uintas » Soapstone
Location Name or Route
Soapstone
Weather
Weather Comments
Snowing on and off all day long. Winds were drifting some snow along the roads in open areas.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
3"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
A few inches of new snow on top of really weak facets.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Wind will be the main problem until more snow stacks up
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
The old snow surface capped by snow on Thursday, Jan 4th is unbelievably weak (F minus hardness). It simply won't support much snow before soft slab avalanches start happening. Perhaps Sunday or this coming week depending on how much snow falls.
Comments
Most of the day doing rescue practice, and it was great to see winter return - cold temps, snow falling from the sky, and tress with snow in them.
The forecast was spot on - you couldn't buy an avalanche near and below treeline because the snowpack is so faceted. It just crumbles under your shovel when doing snowpack tests. However we did see drifting in open areas and I'm sure there were drifts above treeline that could have easily been 6-12" deep but only over small areas.
The main hazard is still hitting rocks and stumps. Somehow the snow from Dec 1-3 is still pretty supportable as long as both skis are flat on the snow.
Photo 1 - minor drifting and baby cornice formation along a small ditch in an open area
Photo 2 - the group
Photo 3 - Close call with a rock the day before looking up my uptrack when my ski somehow rode over the rock and the track just bounced off it.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates