Observation: Mill Hollow

Observation Date
1/15/2021
Observer Name
Staples & Gordon
Region
Uintas » Nobletts » Mill Hollow
Location Name or Route
Mill Hollow to Duchesne Ridge
Weather
Sky
Clear
Weather Comments
Clear, warm, calm and sunny. HOWEVER strong winds the last two days have reshaped the snow surface.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Characteristics Comments
Slight crust on southerly aspects. Barely there SE aspects. Just under the crust are obvious small facets. On E and N aspects the near surface facets exist but there is no crust.
Snow Profile
Aspect
East
Elevation
9,200'
Slope Angle
24°
Comments
Snowpack was generally about 24-30 inches deep. At mid and low elevations it is all faceted (except on due south). As you gain elevation, there is a little more body in the middle of the snowpack that makes skiing possible. Snowmobiles still drop to the ground. The other thing making skiing conditions good is the loose faceted snow at the surface - we call this recrystallized powder. It's not a problem until it snows and makes a slab on top of this weak layer.
At higher elevations, there is a bit more of a slab present. The layer of most concern is a layer of faceted snow on top of a crust about a foot above the ground. It is very apparent in the photo below. What varies a lot is how noticeable the crust below this layer is. In many places like north facing slopes, this crust is very soft and difficult to feel. On E and SE facing slopes this crust is easier to see.
Video
Photo below is 15x of the small facets on the snow surface that make for good skiing in recrystallized powder.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates