UDOT PLANNED AVALANCHE CLOSURES!!

Observation: Skyline

Observation Date
12/11/2022
Observer Name
Magerl
Region
Skyline
Location Name or Route
Big Drift area
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Wind Direction
Southeast
Wind Speed
Strong
Weather Comments
The wind was unpleasant up high, easily moving snow. Mostly from the south/southeast, but swirling in lower drainages.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
At higher elevations just northeast of Big Drift, nothing but wind-loaded snow with loads of pillows. In tree-sheltered mid-elevation areas facing north and west, good, light powder was abundant.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
8,700'
Comments
Did some digging at 8,700', northwest facing. 95cm total depth. Sunk deeply into the snow when stepping out of skis. Pole plants would sometimes break through the weak layer that was 45cm down, but skis never broke through, skinning or getting turns. There was an obvious weak layer at 50 cm from the ground. In one pit it broke at this layer at ECT 25. A second quick test had the snow breaking at 20 cm from the ground, and then repeated at 20 cm in a third.
Did not see or feel any whumphs today. Kept slope angles under 30 degrees all day. Felt very safe.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable