Observation: Uintas

Observation Date
3/21/2026
Observer Name
Katz/Nassetta
Region
Uintas
Location Name or Route
Duchesne Ridge
Weather
Sky
Scattered
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Light
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Damp
Comments

Travels up from Mill Hollow to Duchesne gave opportunity to glass the range both north and south, and observe snow conditions. Surprisingly good travel on packed roads gave way to a supportable snowpack on all aspects. Lack of supportability could be found in shallow spots (see attached photo of trench). With no new notable activity to speak of on the range, what stands out is that so many slopes avalanched during the end of February or thereafter. These now have very shallow start zones, with rocks beginning to show (attached Death Hollow avalanches). The lack of recent activity is hard to ignore: is it just the case that most everything that was going to avalanche did already? Nevertheless, in a handpit, moist facets can be found in the mid-pack, meaning (especially unavalanched) slopes are suspect. Additionally, the Uintas have had suspicious refreezes or lack thereof lately, so caution continues.

Coordinates