Observation: Mill Hollow

Observation Date
2/16/2019
Observer Name
Andy Nassetta / Bo Torrey
Region
Uintas » Nobletts » Mill Hollow
Location Name or Route
Mill Hollow via Nobletts
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
New snow and strong winds over the past week have added to the danger of triggering one of these large persistent slab avalanches. Weak snow and poor structure can be found by digging down to the middle of the snowpack as highlighted in the photo below. Recent activity across the range has gone to show that these large and connected avalanches are not going away. Avoid steep slopes and connected terrain where these problems exist.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Although the winds died down overnight and this morning for a bit, in days prior strong winds combined with plenty of snow available for transport created large windslabs. With even new snow on-top and more snow and wind on the way, these windslabs will grow and become easily triggered.
Wind effected snow was clearly visible and noted throughout our travels - in the afternoon winds picked up and loading was taking place on the high ridge lines and exposed sub-ridges. Looks for the clues and avoid suspect terrain features where windslabs will form.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
9,500'
Comments
Worked our way out Mill Hollow today via the Nobletts trailhead and found 7" of light-density powder that fell overnight with very little wind in play. Visibility was poor for the greater part of the day, but the sun showed itself for a short time allowing us to get eyes on some terrain and look at some snow.
Riding conditions were over the hood in the areas we chose to ride and travel through. Our choice? Low-angle protected slopes not connected to any steeper terrain above was our go to in order to avoid the weak layers that have been active lately (Check out recent avalanches and observations for more). Also important to us was avoiding micro avalanche terrain like small gullies and terrain traps that are easily over looked while buzzing around on our sleds and snow bikes.
Our pit did not produce any noteable stability results, but again, poor structure trumps all and the strong snow over weak snow is evident with a closer look.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
High
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates