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Observation: Wolf Creek Pass

Observation Date
11/23/2013
Observer Name
jg
Region
Uintas » Nobletts » Wolf Creek Pass
Location Name or Route
Wolf Creek Pass area
Weather
Sky
Broken
Wind Direction
East
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Winds were moderate during the first part of the day but died down by later in the afternoon. East to ESE winds were moving what little snow there was left to move.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments

Soft snow on sheltered slopes, wind slabs and bare ground in exposed terrain.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Cracking
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #1 Comments

The loose facets in the lower portion of the snow pack are not cohesive and are the weak layer to watch right now.

Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
9,700'
Slope Angle
15°
Comments

HS57 ECTP15, CT15-25Q1&Q2

We were getting full propagation in ECT tests and Q2 shears in column tests with moderate force to initiate. Both were failing about 30cms (about 12") from the snow surface on fist hard faceted snow. Facets still angular but showing signs of rounding.

Bottom photo: Facets that column tests were failing on.

Drifts were sensitive.

Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates