Observation: Uintas

Observation Date

4/4/2026

Observer Name

Ted Scroggin

Region

Uintas

Location Name or Route

Hwy 150-Lofty

Weather

Sky

Clear

Wind Direction

North

Wind Speed

Light

Weather Comments

Chilly this morning with trailhead temperatures in the low teens, the winds were light until you got on the ridges and it was a cold north wind. They did calm down as the day went on. Just enough cool breeze and slightly coolish temperatures kept the wet snow issues in check.

Snow Characteristics

New Snow Depth

14"

New Snow Density

Medium

Snow Surface Conditions

Powder

Wind Crust

Melt-Freeze Crust

Damp

Snow Characteristics Comments

The storm was a nice return to winter conditions with generally 12-16" of maybe medium density snow. The travel conditions are pretty decent, but the hazards are still lurking below the storm snow.

Red Flags

Wind Loading

Cracking

Collapsing

Red Flags Comments

A few red flags observed today where I traveled. The North and Northwest winds have created some stout slabs on mainly east through southeast facing slopes. These wind slabs are sitting on some faceted or lighter density snow when the storm ended. They are still a bit sensitive, cracking up to 10" deep, but would think they should start to settle out with warming temperatures.

Avalanche Problem #1

Problem

Wind Drifted Snow

Trend

Decreasing Danger

Problem #1 Comments

The wind drifted snow was a little reactive on east and southeast slopes breaking up to a foot or so deep.

Avalanche Problem #2

Problem

Wet Snow

Trend

Increasing Danger

Problem #2 Comments

No wet snow issues up high today, the north wind and slightly cool temperatures kept the wet issues in check. With warming temps the new snow should start to get unstable as the spring sunshine beats down.

Comments

The wind drifted snow reactive to my weight as I stomped on these southeast facing slopes.

A nice return to winter with a good 12-14" of snow and maybe a little extension to our meager winter season.

About the only avalanche activity I observed was this shallow wind slab or new snow slide that likely happened during the storm.

The two guardians of the high country were looking nice and white today.