Observation: Hoyt Environs

Observation Date
12/31/2021
Observer Name
Michael Janulaitis
Region
Uintas » Hoyt Environs
Location Name or Route
Hoyt Area
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
North
Wind Speed
Light
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
12"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Comments
I have been out the last three days but not much to talk about. The last two days offered about a foot of new snow each day. The snow has pasted itself to all the rocks which is very unusual for the Uintas offering very different recreation than we are used too. Yesterday I was in steep north facing treed terrain where wind is never a factor thanks to the thick tall forest. In open terrain in and around the trees I saw some small soft slab avalanche evidence within the top 6 inches of snow which was very manageable. I was able to kick off a few cornices. In steep terrain they ran but as soon as the slope angle washed out to the high thirties the sluffs immediately stopped. I was also able to put my weight on open north facing terrain but I stayed in and around the trim line, no collapses. Today with yet another new foot of snow I was forced a little lower on the mountain. I spent the day on dead south terrain which even at 10k does not have our weak facet layer and in wind protected terrain offered excellent skiing. I did try to kick some cornices today but not much to choose from since most of them have already naturally collapsed onto the slopes below. The pics are of a cornice I kicked yesterday and blower light smoke on my sled today after I was done.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
High
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable