Observation: Whitney Basin

Observation Date

1/8/2013

Observer Name

Ted Scroggin

Region

Uintas

Location Name or Route

Moffit Peak, Double Hill

Weather

Sky

Obscured

Precipitation

Light Snowfall

Wind Direction

Northwest

Wind Speed

Light

Weather Comments

Low clouds, moist air and cool temperatures made for a low visibility day on the north slope.

Snow Characteristics

Snow Surface Conditions

Dense Loose

Faceted Loose

Rain-Rime Crust

Snow Characteristics Comments

The moist air layer has put down a thin rime crust that varies from an eighth to a quater of an inch thick. It is preserving some of the weak faceted surface snow and may be a layer to watch with upcoming storms.

Red Flags

Poor Snowpack Structure

Red Flags Comments

Only light winds today and still poor snow pack structure in the thin steep terrain.

Avalanche Problem #1

Problem

New Snow

Problem #1 Comments

Given the right terrain a person could trigger an avalanche in the thin steep snow pack areas, but things seem quiet right now. There might be an old wind slab that would be sensitive to a riders weight.

Comments

Moist cold air that hung around for the majority of the day. It was difficult to keep goggles and face shields clear of freezing snow grains.

Not a great picture, but tried to show the rime crust that is preserving some of the weak faceted surface snow underneath.

Observation: Whitney Basin

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