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Observation: Uintas

Observation Date
2/25/2021
Observer Name
Nassetta, Pirrucio, Astle
Region
Uintas
Location Name or Route
Reids Peak
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
A beautiful calm day out of Highway 150 today. Temperatures were crisp in the morning at the TH and the ride was crisp on the way in. Skies were clear for the most part of the day, and high clouds began to roll in at 1600 as the sun began to head down. Winds were clam out of the West and blew lightly for small amounts of time throughout the day. Plenty of snow available to move around today, but the winds kept at bay.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Melt-Freeze Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Riding conditions were great, as we have developed more structure over the past couple of weeks the snowpack has gained body and is keeping us off the ground in most places. The sunnies took a slight hit since the last snowfall, and have developed a crust on mostly due South. Anything on and trending towards the north half of the compass was 4 of 5 star riding where the snow depths permitted. That being said, snow depths ranged from 50cm at low elevations 8,500' to 150 cm at 10,000'. That being said, average deeths were around a meter and allowed for supportable quality riding.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
The snowpack has begun to grow, and hopefully will continue to do so. What we will continue to be faced with for the rest of the season, is its poor structure. Even though riding conditions are improving and we are able to get after it more, there is a strong cohesive slab of snow sitting on top of weak, sugary, faceted snow in most places on the north half of the compass at mid to upper elevations. Throughout our travels today, there was localized cracking and collapsing in areas where the snowpack was shallower and more affected by the wind on slopes with a northerly aspect. Our PWL is very alive, and needs to be given wide margins for a duration of time longer.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
See "Red Flag" comments
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
With all the recent snow over the past two weeks, the winds have had their way and deposited slabs in odd places. We noted slabs that had released naturally within windrifted snow on almost all aspects today at and above treeline. Some were cornince triggered, others were not. In places, the slab stepped down and pulled out pockets into old snow.
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
10,400'
Slope Angle
28°
Comments
Image shows an arrow pointing at collapsed slope with cracking apparent. Second image is of the pit profile dug on an adjacent slope correlating with the snowpilot.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates