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Observation: Uintas

Observation Date
3/15/2022
Observer Name
Manship
Region
Uintas
Location Name or Route
Duchesne Ridge
Weather
Sky
Scattered
Wind Direction
South
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
We where out until about 3pm and noted sky cover from scattered to few. Wind speeds varied from light to moderate from the SE and shifting more SW. Temps where cold in the morning but got very warm by the afternoon.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
5"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
We found a breakable crust on most aspects except true north and low angle NE and NW. The south was frozen in the morning but warmed up.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Collapsing
Rapid Warming
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
We had multiple collapses on W-N facing slopes between 9000'-10,000'. I was able to trigger a small old wind slab that had been rapidly warmed.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
The structure is there for persistent slab avalanches on NW-E facing aspects at mid and upper elevations. With recent avalanches and collapsing the signs are still present.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
It got very warm at all elevations, heating up solar slopes. At lower elevations I noted roller balls on all aspects.
Comments
Went for a nice ride in the Western Uintas. It was a calm, cold morning that got warm quick. We found cold snow on northerly aspects but most other aspects aquired a heat crust from the 13th. The warming do yield some good warm spring snow riding for a short period of time.
Towards the end of the day we noted weather moving in and a shift in weather. As this storm comes in there will be some crusts lurking underneith and a cohesive slab still remains on top of our buried PWL.
Skiing and riding conditons are good if you go to the right places at the right times.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable