Observation: Uintas

Observation Date
12/14/2019
Observer Name
St Jeor
Region
Uintas
Location Name or Route
Iron Mine Creek
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Snow continued to stack up more than expected through out the day.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
15"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
In addition to the October depth hoar we found a deteriorating crust on most of the upper elevation terrain facing the north half of the compass that was quite faceted. This added to the really poor structure found in the majority of the terrain facing the north half of the compass. All of our stability tests showed good propagation on the crust layer. With the continued snow and wind it seems like we are staring to overload these weak layers.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
9,100'
Slope Angle
32°
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
High