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Observation Date
12/30/2018
Observer Name
Weston Deutschlander
Region
Uintas
Location Name or Route
Smith Moorehouse
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Precip started around 2pm, gradually increased in intensity through the day. Wind was mostly calm in the trees. Had a few gusts at 10k ft in the moderate range.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Rain-Rime Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Rime was the surprise of the day. Put a nice frosty coat on upper elevations. As we ascended you could see it stacking to the windward side.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
I agree with Michael Janulaitis, snowpack is just faceting out. Trail breaking is becoming harder and things seem much more rotten than when I was out last.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
cross loading on ridges was noted.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
could still feel it pole probing through the day.
Comments
Technically we did have a skier triggered slid. This was on a steeper rollover NE 9800 ft. I had concern about this area as we ascended, pole probing revealed no slab, just faceted snow. When we skied it it plopped out about a meter by meter area, ran 2m and then stopped at the bench in the foreground. Steep rollover, cohesion less snow, a bit shallower than other spots and rocks underneath.
Rime didn't effect the skiing quality too much where we were, but did give a zipper crust in specific areas.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable