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Observation: Uintas

Observation Date
1/6/2019
Observer Name
Michael Janulaitis
Region
Uintas
Location Name or Route
Western Uintas
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southeast
Wind Speed
Moderate
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
9"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Yesterday, I noted widespread wind slabs but the slabs were quite thin and limited to exposed terrain, however as we saw yesterday in the Cental Wasatch, these new slabs are quite sensitive. Now hidden under the new medium density warm advection snow with more widespread wind loading on top and we find ourselves with a highly complex and spatially variant snow pack.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Snow Profile
Aspect
Southwest
Elevation
9,800'
Slope Angle
15°
Comments
I wasn't in any north facing terrain today but feeling the weak snowpack down low on the south side I dug up higher where it mattered and found quite a bit of faceting below our recent snow. This profile was taken in a place that had no October snow and as you can see even with the thin snow pack the Thanksgiving snow is rounded and tight. My concern now moves to the facets mid pack. On top above the north slope I was able to easily sluff some of the new snow and as you can see there is quite a bit of loading. Finally, it looks like my sled picked up 6 inches of snow while I was out hiking in the south trees up high. That's heavy snowfall and a sure sign to stay away from steeps.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable