Observation Date
1/4/2020
Observer Name
Ted Scroggin
Region
Uintas
Location Name or Route
Whitney Basin
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Strong
Weather Comments
The day started out partly cloudy with fairly mild temperatures, but the winds were the big headlines. Along the ridge lines, I was observing moderate to strong northwest winds that were moving lots of snow onto the lee ward side and it was difficult to spend much time up high with out getting sandblasted.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Faceted Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Still some soft dense settled and loose faceted snow, but the winds were starting to spoil the powder party. Down off the ridge lines, the winds were still blowing and starting to make for more slabby snow conditions.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Cracking
Red Flags Comments
The moderate to strong northwest winds were hammering the higher ridge lines making for tough travel and creating fresh wind slabs that would crack up to two feet deep. I was avoiding getting too close to the edge of the ridge lines not knowing how far back these fresh wind drifts would break.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Winds today kept the avalanche hazard considerable in the upper elevations where fresh wind drifted snow was reactive to the weight of a person. Would not be surprised to see and hear of some natural avalanches that happened from heavy wind drifted snow overloading shallow weak snow pack areas.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
Stacking some heavy wind drifted snow onto areas where the snow pack has remained thin, could be a real test to the strength of the snow.
Comments
Not a great photo, but was trying to capture how south facing slopes have remained thin given the recent windy conditions.
Pretty burly conditions on the upper elevations where winds have been hammering the ridge lines. Even lower in the drainage the snow surface has been getting wind damage and has that rough look and feel.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates
