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Observation: Uintas

Observation Date
12/11/2018
Observer Name
Ted Scroggin
Region
Uintas
Location Name or Route
Lofty Peak
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
One of those beautiful sunny days to be in the mountains and what luck to have calm winds to work on a weather station.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Faceted Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Cold settled dense snow conditions with a thin wind crust along the ridge lines and weak faceted surface snow in the protected shady places.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Currently the snow pack appears to be adjusting over time although the structure is still a red flag with large weak sugary faceted snow near the ground.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
At the upper elevations around Bald Mountain and Lofty Peak the snow pack structure is still a red flag, but there were no other signs of collapsing and cracking. With some additional wind, new snow and water weight this weak layer could become active again and avalanches would be likely.
Comments
1. The trail groomer has been able to get out and start laying down some nice smooth riding conditions. 2. A nice day to be up high with clear skies and calm winds. The high elevation terrain is still a little thin on snow cover.
1. Spotted this old natural avalanche along the Mt. Marsell ridge line. 2. At the upper elevations around 11,000' much of the terrain is broken up with rocks and other terrain features and has not filled in.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates