Observation Date
3/29/2017
Observer Name
Ted Scroggin
Region
Uintas » Mirror Lake Highway » Bald Mountain
Location Name or Route
Mirror Lake, Bald Mt.
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Northeast
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Nice clear and cool morning with temperatures quickly warming up. The recent new snow was much needed and improved the riding and turning conditions.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
14"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
A solid 12~14" inches of medium density snow from the recent storm. Things were crusted this morning, but quickly softened and south facing slopes warmed up fast. Recent winds moved the snow around and the conditions were a little thick on the upper parts of the north facing slopes.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Lots of wind affected snow in the higher terrain, but many of the wind slabs I poked around on would crack out, but nothing seemed too reactive. Would still think there are a few isolated wind pockets that could react with the weight of a person.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Did not take long for the new snow to heat up on south facing slopes and wet loose slides were taking place.
Comments
Good to see winter make a return and the riding and scenery were beautiful today.
The north and east winds loaded the south facing slopes and this natural wind slab released on Bald Mt. Much of the higher terrain around the Bald Mt area is quite wind hammered, but soft dry snow was still easy to find.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
