Observation Date
12/9/2016
Observer Name
Michael Janulaitis
Region
Uintas » Hoyt Peak
Location Name or Route
Hoyt Peak
Weather
Sky
Broken
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Snow was loading on the ridgeline.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
6"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
The new snow was just what we needed. It's not Sierra Cement but it was dense enough to keep me on top. The snow skied very well and has filled in the smaller dead fall. No punching through for me. Sledding was another story. I was punching through and had to be very careful. Up high, with caution, I was able to safely get off the road. The cornices have already built up a little, thanks to the SW winds yesterday, and I was able to easily kick a few of them off in safe test areas. There was also widespread collapsing and cracking while skinning above 10K. The trees are rimed as well. Finally on my way out I was able to ski cut a cornice on the peak and slide it out. See: https://utahavalanchecenter.org/avalanches/28567
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Rapid Warming
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Wow that's all of them.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
9,800'
Comments
I dug a pit and discovered a facet factory at the base. Depth hoar capped with facets. With less than a meter of snow, faceting will continue. I had 2 ECT failures. ECTP 23 Q1 RP on the ground and less notable, ECTN 12 Q3 BRK about 25 cm below the surface below the dense layer.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates