Observation: Hoyt Environs

Observation Date
2/15/2025
Observer Name
Mike J
Region
Uintas » Hoyt Environs
Location Name or Route
Hoyt Area
Weather
Sky
Broken
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Weather Comments
Light snow most of the day.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
12"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
The snow was unsupportive on my bike but supportive and surfy on my skis. Light snow on top a dense layer. Breakable anyware there was wind.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
2 inches of water have been added in the last 2 days and that's mid-altitude. My history tells me that's a good tipping point for deep weak layers to reincarnate.
Snow Profile
Aspect
East
Elevation
8,900'
Slope Angle
29°
Comments
What a difference a week makes. Last week the snow didn't want to bond and this week, it is fully integrated breaking under the new snow old snow interface on facets below the old snow interface which looks like a wet frozen and faceting crust. I had to grab the whole block and bear hug it to finally see a shear which ended up being mostly clean except the portion of the block I smashed with my shovel testing the column.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
High
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable