Observation: Hoyt Environs

Observation Date
12/14/2022
Observer Name
Staples/Janulaitis
Region
Uintas » Hoyt Environs
Location Name or Route
Hoyt area
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Weather Comments
Snowed all day. Maybe 2-4 inches accumulating depending on elevation
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
12"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
The new snow is incredibly light
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Not widespread but easy to find collapsing. We were on south and west facing slopes.
Snow Profile
Aspect
West
Elevation
9,400'
Slope Angle
28°
Comments
Looked at the snow on West facing slopes in two locations. One was below treeline and the other was near treeline. See photos below. What is notable is that the low elevation snowpack has the November faceted layer, but it is too close to the ground and mixed in with the brush.
As you gain a little elevation where there was more snow on the ground in mid-November, the weak layer is above the surface roughness of the ground. In the second photo notice the line in the snow just above the rocks. This is the crust/facet layer. We know it is unstable because it produced collapsing today on S and W facing slopes near treeline.
Video
The new snow was really deep....but it also camouflaged rocks and stumps. Lots of traction on the old hard base of snow just under the and just above the November faceted weak layer.
HEADS UP - There is a ton of new snow that is very light. Any amount of wind will easily transport this snow.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable