Observation Date
2/10/2014
Observer Name
Ted Scroggin
Region
Uintas » Bear River Ranger District » Whitney Basin
Location Name or Route
Whitney Basin
Weather
Sky
Broken
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Light to moderate snow this morning with an inch or so accumulatuion. Finally saw some clearing this afternoon as clouds moved in and out. Winds were enough to form a fresh round of wind slabs, although mostly shallow in the 6-10" range.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
2'
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Generally powder like conditions around the Whitney Basin with a nice supportable base. There are however, places that have received a lot of wind and the riding can be quite challenging. From my observations, it looked like the area had about two feet of snow from the storm this weekend.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
It was nice to finally get out and see what has been going on around the area. I did not see alot of terrain and did not venture onto steeper slopes, but it looks like there was a good natural avalanche cycle. I observed a few old crowns that have mostly filled back in and the north slope looks pretty white right now.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
The winds have been busy forming big cornices and filling-in a lot of terrain features. I poked around on a few very small wind drifts and had some minor cracking in the recent wind slabs that developed overnight. A test slope I often use to look for usnstable snow did not look safe and it was not a day to be pulling on the dog's tail.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
With the recent heavy snow, water weight and strong winds, many slopes looked like they have avalanched at some time during the storm cycle. Some crowns are still visible and looks like the avalanches broke into old faceted snow near the ground. I would think many slopes are hanging in the balance after this big storm and just need a trigger.
Comments
Generally, the riding and turning conditons out there are quite good on low angle and protected meadows. But in places where the wind has been piling up the snow, it can be a bit tough getting around as I found out a few times.
This photo of Double Hill shows a little of the natural avalanche activity that happened during the storm. Sorry the photo is from a distance, I took advantage of good light.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
High
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
High
