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Observation: Wolf Creek

Observation Date
12/2/2022
Observer Name
Gordon, Nassetta
Region
Uintas » Wolf Creek
Location Name or Route
Wolf Creek Pass
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Taught an avy awareness class to a crew in PC, so a bit later start getting on the snow today... but it was another stunner day in the Uintas. Temperatures were crisp and hovering around 20 F at 10k. Wends were gentle and from the west, under mostly clear skies with a. few scattered low clouds.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
5"
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
This recent shot of snow has set us up for some awesome skiing and riding this early December. The snow under our skis and sled has gained somebody and is beginning to open-up more terrain and travel options.
The same weather that is creating great skiing and riding, has also contributed to the formation of a slab on our persistent weak layer created before Thanksgiving. Today we noted multiple avalanches running on this slab/weak-layer combo.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
The same weather that created great skiing and riding, has also contributed to the formation of a slab on our persistent weak layer from pre-Thanksgiving dry spell. Today we noted multiple avalanches running on this slab/weak-layer combo. Avalanches ranged from size D1-D2 (big enough to bury, injure or kill a person) and were 12”-24” deep, and up to a couple hundred feet wide. These avalanches live on SE through NW aspects.
Indicators and clues to this particular avalanche problem today included recent avalanches on the mentioned persistent weak layer, cracking, and collapsing. Patience, and avoidance are the solutions for this problem, plenty of good riding to be had in the meadows and low angle slopes without any overhead hazard above!
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates