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Observation: Ruth Lake

Observation Date
3/30/2022
Observer Name
Ted Scroggin
Region
Uintas » Ruth Lake
Location Name or Route
Ruth, Lofty, Steiner
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
North
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
The day started with some low clouds hanging over the high peaks, but the skies quickly cleared and it was a beautiful day. There was a light wind from the north that kept snow conditions from getting too warm and wet and traveling along the ridge lines was even pleasant.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
10"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
A very nice spring storm with upwards of 8-10" up around the 10,000' elevation and the new snow was on the higher density end helping to fill in some terrain that got thin from the warm weather last week.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
No big red flags observed today, there was the north winds that were blowing along the high peaks moving snow around, but I did not find much in the way of sensitive wind drifts. The snow pack at the higher elevation was much different than what I found yesterday down low. It is a dry layered snow pack where I dug today right at about tree line and still got a propagating crack although it was harder to initiate and not real clean.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Still not sure I would get out onto steep terrain with the current snow pack, although at this elevation I was a little more encouraged to see a slightly stronger set up.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
No real wind issues today, I think the slightly warm temperatures helped settle any wind drifts, but might see a new round of drifted snow with tomorrows small storm.
Comments
1. A real nice spring storm with increasing snow depths as you made your way up the highway. I was finding between 8-10" of medium to high density snow that really helped fill in some thin spots and the traveling was quite good.
2. I rode by the Steiner weather staion and it was nice to see it has been snowing up high.
3. The new snow was a little on the high density side and helped fill in some terrain and it looked like winter up high. The Lofty weather site had some rime built up from some moist air from the north.
The snow conditions at about tree line around 10,400' were more like a dry winter snow pack with some new snow on top with slightly denser snow moving down until the layer of faceted sugary snow from January/ February dry spell.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates