Observation: Chalk Creek

Observation Date
1/31/2017
Observer Name
Craig Gordon
Region
Uintas » Upper Weber Canyon » 1000 Peaks » Chalk Creek
Location Name or Route
Chalk Creek/Dark Side
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Strong
Weather Comments
Gusty west and southwest winds swirling around near the ridges and getting into mid elevation open terrain.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Faceted Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments

Mixed bag out there with lots of wind damage in the big open terrain

Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
Winds loading leeward side of upper elevation ridges, creating stubborn, pockety slabs.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments

Wind drifts isolated to the leeward side of upper elevation ridges and perhaps cross-loaded in chutes and gullies facing the north half of the compass.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments

Surface Hoar and NSF, now buried a couple feet deep, are most prevalent on wind sheltered, north facing slopes.

Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate