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Observation: Moffit Basin

Observation Date
3/6/2018
Observer Name
Ted Scroggin
Region
Uintas » Bear River Ranger District » Bear River West Fork » Moffit Basin
Location Name or Route
Whitney Basin-Moffit Peak
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Cool start to the day, but nice mild clear and very little wind other than on the ridge lines.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Nice soft powder snow, still feeling some old tracks and hard wind drifted snow, but the weekend storm was a great re-set for the Uintas. Looks like a solid 12" or so in the Whitney Basin. Some lower elevation south facing slopes got a little damp, but very minor.
Red Flags
Red Flags Comments
No red flags observed today. The snow pack appears to be adjusting to the recent storm, still likely some lingering wind slabs in the high exposed terrain. Did observe some loose storm sluffing on steep slopes and the thin rocky terrain still looks questionable.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
In the deeper snow pack areas the snow pack appears to be adjusting to the recent storm from the weekend. Those places that have been thin and weak all season may still be hanging in the balance.
Comments
A couple photos of some pockets that were likely triggered this weekend on a heavy wind loaded slope. One very small and the other one would have got your attention. Hard to tell how deep, but 100' across and a hard wind slab that was possibly triggered from the side or from well out on the slope where the slab was thinner?
Small natural avalanche on the north side of Moffit Peak that did not travel far.
Beautiful day in the mountains with fresh snow, clear skies and little to no wind on the ridge lines. I was treated to flocks of Sand Hill Cranes high overhead as they make their return trip from far away.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate