Observation Date
12/14/2014
Observer Name
jg
Region
Uintas » Mirror Lake Highway » Murdock Bowl
Location Name or Route
Murdock Mountain/Basin
Weather
Sky
Broken
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Light to moderate winds from the NNW with temps in the mid to lower teens at 10,000 ft. Felt cold in the wind on the upper elevation ridge lines. On and off snow throughout the day. Broken sky with sun poking out on and off. Visibility limited.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
8"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
3" snow at the trailhead, 8"-10" of light density at 10+K. Wind transporting snow on the upper elevation ridge lines. South facing slopes saw solar affect even with broken sky. Snow surface was damp on due south that saw sun.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Cracking
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Not a lot of red flags where we traveled but there was some cracking in wind affected snow. The general setup was a red flag with a thin snowpack and near surface faceting occuring prior to the storm as well as the wind on Friday and Saturday and the more than anticipated storm snow.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Same
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
10,500'
Slope Angle
24°
Comments
Cracking in wind drifted snow.
Rime in the trees. No crust noted in travels.
Wind moving new storm snow.
More snow that I was expecting today. Weak surface snow from before the storm will be something to keep an eye out for. Also, wind direction will be another big consideration before jumping on a slope. Still thin coverage up high but it was looking white and wintry today in the alpine terrain.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
