Observation: Tower Mountain

Observation Date
2/18/2021
Observer Name
Wiest
Region
Uintas » Tower Mountain
Location Name or Route
Near Tower Mountain
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Collapsing
Comments
Only a quick observation in passing. Noticed this cornice (chunk about the size of a sled) break and slide down the South face of the ridge. While I was taking the picture, more snow started to slide to the left. More a of loose snow not breaking deep. This face was pretty crusty from both wind scour and some melt freeze. As we left the area, the wind was picking up and the temps dropping. Tracks from only a few hours previous were already blown in.
In general, it looks like most riders out today avoided the real high consequence / high likelihood areas. Did notice a few side hills in areas like Tower Mountain that could have resulted in an avalanche and didn't. The next person lured onto the slope by other tracks may end up hitting the trigger spot.
Not enough time today for a pit and profile.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
High
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates