Observation: Smith-Moorehouse

Observation Date
2/27/2021
Observer Name
Staples
Region
Uintas » Smith-Moorehouse
Location Name or Route
Smith-Morehouse
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
On and off clouds and a few moments of dramatic sunshine. Temps stayed cold and snowflakes danced in the air most of the day.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
It was hard to tell exactly how much new snow had fallen but it felt deep as we gained elevation.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
This is the number one problem in the Uintas. Winds have move some snow and those drifts could avalanches, but it is a minor concern compared to the PWL
Comments
Between 9000 and 10,000 feet snow depths were generally just over 4 feet deep (130-140 cm). Additionally the snow has become very supportable. You don't notice the weak faceted snow near the ground until you dig through hard layers of snow and your shovel finally breaks into the facets. Today, everywhere I looked, this layer was 4 fingers hardness which is a big improvement. I was also able to find the late Novembe ice crust just under this weak layer.
Two snow profiles below from NW facing and E facing.
We spotted at least three hard slab avalanches that broke on a PWL of facets. These slides were in heavily wind loaded areas on unnamed peaks and ridgelines that generally faced east and were above 10,000 feet and above treeline. They may have happened early last week but I don't know which is why I am putting them in this ob versus creating a separate avalanche ob.
Third photo shows evidence of westerly winds moving snow across an upper elevation, north facing slope.
Last photo show typical weather for today.
Still feels CONSIDERABLE on upper elevation slopes above treeline exposed to winds. The likelihood of triggering a slide has gone down; however, the consequences of an avalanche are so severe that it makes avalanche conditions dangerous.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates