Observation: Whitney Basin

Observation Date

4/21/2016

Observer Name

Ted Scroggin

Region

Uintas » Bear River Ranger District » Whitney Basin

Location Name or Route

Whitney Basin

Weather

Sky

Scattered

Wind Direction

South

Wind Speed

Light

Weather Comments

No good refreeze last night and the snow conditions were quick to soften this morning. Mostly cloudy skies, some sunshine and a few passing threats of showers which was likely virga. The sky today looked like a summer sky with building cumulus clouds and afternoon showers. Very warm temperatures.

Snow Characteristics

Snow Surface Conditions

Melt-Freeze Crust

Damp

Snow Characteristics Comments

Mostly damp snow conditions which were still supportable for sleds above 9,000'. Below this the snow was very soft and punchy and melting quickly.

Red Flags

Rapid Warming

Red Flags Comments

No red flags observed in the area we traveled, but we could see some wet loose slides in the distance, some of these are now occurring on lower angle north facing slopes.

Avalanche Problem #1

Problem

Wet Snow

Trend

Increasing Danger

Problem #1 Comments

Very warm today even at 10,000' and with another night of warm temperatures the danger of more wet loose slides should be possible again tomorrow.

Comments

Up around 10,000' the snow coverage is still good and the riding is mostly supportable, but the access down low is getting a little tough to get around. Highway 150 is clear to the Whitney turn-off, but the road is starting to melt-out quickly.

Quite warm today and the sky looked more summer like with building cumulus and the threat of showers.

Today's Observed Danger Rating

Moderate

Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating

Moderate

Learn More

Take a Class

How To

Help the Community

Upcoming Events

Observations & Avalanches