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Observation: Whitney Basin

Observation Date
4/17/2021
Observer Name
Ted Scroggin
Region
Uintas » Whitney Basin
Location Name or Route
Whitney Basin
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Direction
East
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
A bit of a cool start to the day this morning with temps in the low 20's and never getting too warm this afternoon. East winds were brisk this morning even in the lower terrain, but seemed to slowly decrease as the day went on. Some clouds hanging over the higher peaks and just a nice day to be out.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
10"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
A nice spring storm with around 8-10" in the upper Whitney Basin with some great cold dry powder for riding and turning. Some minor wind drifted snow on the ridges, but I was not finding too many big concerns.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
Not sure it was a big red flag today, but the east winds were moderate in speed and drifting the new snow around creating some minor wind slabs that would crack out, but I did not find any that were very sensitive or connected. Only observed limited terrain today and would think higher wind exposed areas might have some wind drifted snow issues.
Comments
Maybe a small isolated wind slab can be found on the ridges, these were generally not very reactive nor connected. These could be more of a problem in higher exposed terrain.
The snow cover is ok right now, but I'm afraid once the warm temperatures return conditions are going to change quickly. Access up the highway is getting thin and surprised how far up vehicles are getting.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
None
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None