Observation: Mirror Lake Highway

Observation Date
12/17/2013
Observer Name
Michael Janulaitis
Region
Uintas » Mirror Lake Highway
Location Name or Route
Blizzard Lake
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Speed
Calm
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Faceted Loose
Wind Crust
Red Flags
Red Flags
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Snow Profile
Aspect
East
Elevation
10,500'
Slope Angle
38°
Comments

It was a warm sunny day in the Uintahs. The snowpack is very thin. I skinned to the east face above Blizzard Lake from MLH and dug in 38 degree terrain. My stability test showed that the snow is still failing within facets just above the early season snow. Although I'm not able to get the column to drop it is failing ECTP 23 RP. I would expect to see wide spread slides on this layer once weight is added.

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