Observation: Uintas

Observation Date
1/19/2020
Observer Name
Skordas & Woolf
Region
Uintas
Location Name or Route
Reid's Peak - saddle
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Noticeable signs of wind loading. It was easy to get the top 6-8" to move but wouldn't run far. Winds were mild, however, we could easily see cross-loading terrain features and wind affected snow at all elevations. We safely attempted to get the wind slab to step down to the deep persistent week layer on a 30+ degree North and NE slope, but no such luck.. that didn't fool us into believing that sleeping dragon is gone for the winter.
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
10,600'
Comments
Top 6-8" has not bonded with the weaker layer below. While the wind loading was present, it will be interesting to see what impact the sun will have moving into Monday. The sun was never able to quite get to the line we skied (forgot it was still January!). We were able to keep it mellow and find some high quality powder snow.
Top photo: obvious signs of wind loading present
bottom photo: happy powder skier
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable