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Observation: Uintas

Observation Date
12/26/2018
Observer Name
Craig Gordon
Region
Uintas
Location Name or Route
Wolf Creek Pass/Bowl
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Wind blowing snow around creating pockety and predictable drifts near the ridges. Wind not getting into mid elevation or protected terrain.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Mixed bag with some wind damge and general funk in upper elevation terrain above treeline... but the trees are frosted and stare worthy.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Cracking
Red Flags Comments
Shooting cracks on steep, terrain driven features. Very predictable.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Problem #1 Comments
Winds were definitely more robust than I expected and had no problem stripping the light density snow from wind exposed ridges and forming drifts in unusual places. While not widespread and pockety in nature, freshly formed slabs were sensitive to my additional weight.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #2 Comments
I feel that the water weight from the past week isn't enough to tip the scales.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate