Observation: Hoyt Peak

Observation Date
3/6/2022
Observer Name
Michael Janulaitis
Region
Uintas » Hoyt Peak
Location Name or Route
Hoyt Peak
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Light
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
8"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Comments
While heading up today I learned the snow down low is mostly isothermal and damp with a little crust on top making for difficult off-road travel. Later up high on Hoyt Peak I discovered snow depth at altitude was not much greater than down low ~8" of light wind free powder. On top of Hoyt I was able to easily get the snow to sluff with ski kicks but with the lack of wind there was little cohesion in the snow to form a slab to run. Once down in the slope I discovered most of the face had naturaled during the cycle. The best snow was found on low angle terrain on the north half of the compass. Later in the afternoon while heading back the northwest winds were ramping up and snow was transporting to the south east.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low