Observation Date
1/9/2021
Observer Name
Staples, Richards, Davis, Ryan
Region
Uintas » Mirror Lake Highway » Bald Mountain
Location Name or Route
Bald Mountain area
Comments
This avalanche and these two were natural avalanches that seemed to have been triggered by wind even though it was calm today.
It couldn't be more obvious that conditions are unstable. The snowpack was talking to us ALL day long. We had numerous collapses that would shake small saplings. Plenty of cracking on any slope (see photo below) but we didn't dare touch anything that would slide.
Poor structure of the snowpack is obvious too. You can feel it as the skis on your sled would unpredictable dive into the snow into the week facets in the bottom 1/3 of the snowpack. Your track goes to the dirt instantly when you hit the throttle. When you step off your sled, your feet sink to the ground.
Below is a profile from a N facing and a SE facing slope
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates