Observation Date
3/1/2022
Observer Name
Collett/Deutschlander
Region
Uintas » Smith-Moorehouse
Location Name or Route
Smith and Morehouse
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Very warm temps through the day. Clear skies with a few high clouds in the afternoon. Calm wind. March sun feels a whole lot warmer than the February sun!
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Faceted Loose
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
We encountered damp, sticky snow on nearly all aspects, where we traveled today, which was between 7800' and just above 9000'. The only place we were able to find cold snow after today's warm temps and strong sun was on steep N facing above 8500'.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Cracking
Collapsing
Rapid Warming
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
As previously mentioned the sun was heating things up quick. We observed some D1 wet loose activity from this morning on E facing slopes around 9000'. As far as the rest of the snowpack is concerned everything N-E is entirely faceted out to the point that your entire pole will easily punch through to the ground. We observed some cracking and collapsing in the afternoon on a NE facing slope above 9000' as the upper 4-6 inches of the snowpack warmed forming a somewhat more cohesive slab atop these facets. The structure is poor, but currently lacks any sort of a slab to be to concerning.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Wet loose was certainly the number 1 problem today with multiple D1 wet loose avalanches observed. These avalanches were small and not far running, although one ran into some trees showing how a small avalanche could still have consequence.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
Widespread faceting on the N half of the compass will become a problem when/if it snows again and we develop a slab atop. We triggered some small facet sluffs in steep N facing terrain, however these would only be a problem in extreme terrain.
Comments
Below is a photo of one of the wet loose avalanches we observed on an E facing slope. We expect this slide was triggered this morning by warming snow falling off the rocks above.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates
