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Observation: Double Hill

Observation Date
11/28/2015
Observer Name
Ted Scroggin
Region
Uintas » Bear River Ranger District » Whitney Basin » Double Hill
Location Name or Route
Whitney Basin
Weather
Sky
Broken
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Chilly day with very light snowfall and nearly calm winds.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
6"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Faceted Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
Looks like things over here on the north slope ended up with about 6" of snow since the storm started on Wednesday, a little more in the Whitney Basin with some elevation gain. The new cold light density snow is not helping to build much of a base for riding conditions.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
I was mostly finding soft fist density snow and weak sugary faceted snow near the ground and not much strong or slab like snow in my travels. I did however find some older wind slabs as I traveled up and along the higher ridgeline above Double Hill. Not much concern yet until more weight is added to this weak snowpack.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Normal Caution
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Until the area receives more snow allowing riders to get onto some steeper slopes the hazard is generally low with some very isolated wind slabs that might still be an issue aong the higher ridge lines.
Comments
The majority of riders are staying on roads and smooth grassy areas.
A few folks have been getting off the beaten path, but not veturing onto anything steep due to thin snow cover.
I did come across this natural slide that likely happened during the storm with strong southwest winds. My guess is the winds overloaded an early season weak snowpack and this small pocket released from just below the ridge line. There was more evidense of a couple smaller natural slides adjacent to this larger one. Good information that there is enough snow to avalanche!
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low