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Observation: Smith-Moorehouse

Observation Date
2/16/2019
Observer Name
Brackelsberg / Caplis
Region
Uintas » Upper Weber Canyon » Smith-Moorehouse
Location Name or Route
Smith and Morehouse
Weather
Sky
Broken
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
There was a brief period of sun in the early afternoon that immediately warmed the SE aspect we were climbing and roller balls were quickly forming. We stayed below treeline and did not experience any wind loading. The rain crust went up to about 8500'.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
The new snow was very light density.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Our largest concern in the area we were in was the very poor snowpack structure with 4 faceted weak layers.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
While our pit tests did not produce as significant results as we had expected, we did not trust the snow pack and kept to low angle trees. With the multiple weak layers and the activity of the past week, we did not trust getting onto open slopes or steeper slopes.
Snow Profile
Aspect
East
Elevation
9,800'
Slope Angle
27°
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates