Observation: Wolf Creek Pass

Observation Date

3/11/2026

Observer Name

Pagnucco

Region

Uintas » Wolf Creek Pass

Location Name or Route

Wolf Creek Pass/The Burn

Weather

Weather Comments

Beautiful bluebird day. Winds were consistently moderate and gusty. Felt like winter, finally.

Snow Characteristics

Snow Surface Conditions

Wind Crust

Melt-Freeze Crust

Snow Characteristics Comments

Breakable and supportable crusts abound on all aspects and elevations in this zone. No softening even with strong March sunshine. Winds kept the surface cool.

Red Flags

Poor Snowpack Structure

Red Flags Comments

Strong slab over weak facets. Snow depth was about 100 cm, with about half being weak, faceted snow under a stout slab of 1F to P with a mix of crusts, rounded grains, and a bit of graupel. Did not get an ECT result, but the structure is so poor that I would still recommend avoiding steep slopes with this structure.

Snow Profile

Aspect

North

Elevation

9,500'

Slope Angle

20°

Comments

Supportable surface crust.

Large facets in the lower part of the snowpack.

The snowpack structure is a classic strong slab over weak snow setup.

View along Duchesne Ridge.

Overall, the snow surface in this area has been hammered by the sun and wind.

The last photo is of a creek crossing that failed as I crossed. The snow was shallow, weak, and obviously unsupportable. I think snowmobilers may collapse snow bridges easily with the upcoming warm temps.

Today's Observed Danger Rating

Considerable

Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating

Considerable

Snow Pilot URL

https://snowpilot.org/node/82366

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