Observation: Hoyt Environs

Observation Date
12/28/2021
Observer Name
Michael Janulaitis
Region
Uintas » Hoyt Environs
Location Name or Route
Hoyt Area
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Light
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
2"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Comments
I got up on the ridgeline today to discover much of the wind exposed snow on the south side of the compass, the windward side, has been transported to the north side, the leeward side. The trees are also loaded up with rime from the south winds which is more evidence of snow transport. These large cornices on the leeward side of the mountain were overloaded and naturally collapsed during our last storm. With all the light snow still available for transport, new snow and SW winds in the forecast for tonight and tomorrow, our wind slab avalanche problem will likely worsen and our persistent basal weak layer will likely become overloaded more than it already is. The snowpack is starting to setup and is now mostly supportive at mid and high elevations.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
High
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
High