Observation: Whitney Basin

Observation Date

1/10/2014

Observer Name

Ted Scroggin

Region

Uintas » Bear River Ranger District » Whitney Basin

Location Name or Route

Whitney Basin, Hwy 150

Weather

Sky

Obscured

Precipitation

Moderate Snowfall

Wind Direction

West

Wind Speed

Strong

Weather Comments

Lots of wind even into the lower elevations. Some additional new snow throughout the day and great natural avalanche weather. No visibility into the higher terrain.

Snow Characteristics

New Snow Depth

12"

New Snow Density

Medium

Snow Surface Conditions

Powder

Snow Characteristics Comments

The riding and turning conditions have greatly improved out side of the wind affected terrain. At the mid-elevations it was nearly over the hood riding and many of the hazards are now buried.

Red Flags

Wind Loading

Cracking

Poor Snowpack Structure

Red Flags Comments

It was good weather for natural avalanches to happen, lots of wind, heavy snow and a weak snow pack. I did not see any of the steep, higher terrain, but I would imagine the area experienced a natural avalanche cycle.

Avalanche Problem #1

Problem

Persistent Weak Layer

Trend

Same

Problem #1 Comments

With plenty of wind over the last 24 hours many slopes have likely become overloaded with heavy dense wind drifted snow.

Avalanche Problem #2

Problem

Persistent Weak Layer

Trend

Same

Problem #2 Comments

I was finding most of the instability today in the new snow, but I did not get into higher terrain where wind and more snow have likely overloaded many slopes. Once the new snow fails I think there is a good chance it will step down or gouge into old weak snow.

Comments

The trail groomer had just been through this area not too long before I came through and the wind was already drifting the trail back in. A very windy day even into low elevations.

At mid elevations the new snow was easily failing at the old snow interface with moderate taps on the column from the elbow. Once the new storm slab fails, I think the potential for an avalanche to step down into old weak snow is quite possible.

Today's Observed Danger Rating

Considerable

Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating

Considerable

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