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Observation Date
1/1/2018
Observer Name
Brackelsberg / Caplis
Region
Uintas » Hoyt Peak
Location Name or Route
Western Uintas Hoyt Peak
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
As forecasted, the wind picked up during the day. Areas in direct sun had wet surface snow by mid afternoon.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
18"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Faceted Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments

Wind sheltered slopes had good, square powder. Exposed ridge lines were either bare or wind packed.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Cracking
Collapsing
Red Flags Comments
Continual cracking and collapsing as we skinned. This was caused ranging from the first person to the seventh person on the skin track (our group of 3 used the same skin track for 3 ascents). Many of the cracks were very large propogating for 15M or more.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments

See included video. The PST test appears to be across the slope, but the slope angle was very low (20 degrees) and the angle of the camera causes this to look like it is across the slope.

Snow Profile
Aspect
Southwest
Elevation
9,700'
Slope Angle
20°
Comments

Results

We performed 2 Propagation Saw Tests (PST)

  • PST 35/100 Arr; down 35 cm; 5 lemons
  • PST 25/100 Arr; down 35 cm; 5 lemons

We performed 3 Extended Column Tests (ECT)

  1. ECTP3 Q2; down 35 cm; 5 lemons
  2. ECTP8 Q2; down 35 cm; 5 lemons
  3. ​ECTP9 Q3; down 35 cm; 5 lemons
Video

We observed this very large natural crack on an east face around 9800'.

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