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Observation: Uintas

Observation Date
12/18/2018
Observer Name
Tart / Raskin
Region
Uintas
Location Name or Route
Smith and Morehouse
Weather
Sky
Broken
Wind Direction
North
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Warm. Humid.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
1"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Faceted Loose
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
At most a couple of CM's of new at the upper end of the drainage. The rest of the (surprisingly thin) pack was various stages of rounding facets.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
While the pack at 8500 feet may be in a strengthening trend, we did not venture into higher terrain and can only guess at the conditions.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Not just the faceted grains, but three was surface hoar present in some areas deposited most likely last night after the little recent precip, but rapidly decomposing in the warm temps. If this surface hoar is present at higher elevations, it might survive under incoming precip.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Problem #2 Comments
Wind damage was visible higher up from recent events.
Snow Profile
Comments
Surprisingly little snow in this zone. Surface hoar that was decomposing in the warm temps was still present on surface in some areas.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low
Coordinates