Observation Date
3/2/2021
Observer Name
Ted Scroggin
Region
Uintas
Location Name or Route
West Fork of the Bear-east side of Moffit Peak
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Nice clear and sunny day with nearly a 10 degree difference in this mornings temperatures from yesterdays cool start. Some light southwest winds, but generally calm and no wind issues to speak of where I traveled.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
I was finding a pretty stout sun crust on the sunny aspects that did warm and soften some, but not in all places. On the shady slopes it was very nice dense settled powder that was staying cold and was quite nice riding and turning.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Other than the persistent weak snow near the ground, I did not observe any other red flags today.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
In my travels today I was finding the persistent weak snow that is near the ground to be mostly unreactive in a snow pit. I found nearly 170cm (68") of snow around the east side of Moffit Peak which is getting fairly deep and hard to impact the weak sugary snow. I would still be very cautious where the snow pack is thinner and in steep rocky wind affected terrain.
Comments
Good snow, clear skies and a freshly groomed trail make for a nice start to the day. A big thanks to our groomers who have been keeping the trails in great shape despite having some thin and challenging snow conditions this season.
Not a fresh avalanche, but this natural slide on the east side of Moffit peak is the type of terrain where the hazard would be considerable where it is steep, thin and rocky. My guess is a cornice may have broken off and triggered this avalanche.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates
