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Observation: Gold Hill

Observation Date
12/22/2017
Observer Name
Weston/BCI
Region
Uintas » Bear River Ranger District » Gold Hill
Location Name or Route
Gold Hill
Weather
Sky
Broken
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Ridge top winds were strong and could be seen in the valleys.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
Fresh snow getting blown off tree branches at mid elevations. Wind scouring at upper elevations.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments

While we didn't see or experience any cracking, collapse or other tell tale signs of wind slabs, the wind was really cooking today. The higher we went the stronger it got. Seemed to me like ridge top winds were sublimating the snow while down lower in the trees a slab hadn't been formed- yet.

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

Complex snowpack, crusts, facets, more crusts. Many interfaces with poor structure all around.

Comments

Note the winds ripping on the horizon. Rock on windward side. We looked at a similar ridge and all that was on the leeward side was a super stiff slab. Its my opinion that that siff old slab was from previous events and the low density snow we got recently was sublimated.

Video below from the top of Double Hill showing winds transporting snow.

Video

NW facing had 95cm of snow, SW had 45cm of snow. NW penetration of my foot was mid thigh, SW penetration of my foot was mid shin. Lots of snow available for transport.

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