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Observation: Chalk Creek

Observation Date
1/21/2018
Observer Name
Bo Torrey, Andrew Nassetta
Region
Uintas » Upper Weber Canyon » 1000 Peaks » Chalk Creek
Location Name or Route
Chalk Creek
Weather
Sky
Broken
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Cold and crisp day. Intermitten snow showers. 3" of new during the day. Calm winds out of the west. Sun peaked out periodically through the day, not enough to warm the southern facing slopes.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
18"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

Coverage is thin below 9000' feet. Fallen trees, rocks, etc. are still the primary concern. Above 9000' coverage improves and riding conditions are 5 star! 18" of perfect Utah powder.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Our group experienced multiple large collapse during the day around 9500'. Noticed cracking within the new snow and in wind effected areas.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments

These persistent slab avalanches are now buried anywhere from 1'-7' ft. deep with 18" of 5 star powder sitting on top. Despite the storms low density snowfall, enough water weight has been added to the snowpack to significantly increase the likelihood of triggering a persistent slab avalanche. 2 recent avalanches in this area tells me that the potential for triggering one of these avalanches exists and is likely on similar slopes.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments

Moderate W-N winds stripped snow from the exposed north westerly aspects and loaded the S-SE-E aspects. Drifts were 2'-3' ft deep and sensitive on test slopes.

Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
9,500'
Slope Angle
25°
Video
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable