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Observation: Wolf Creek

Observation Date
1/4/2023
Observer Name
Manship
Region
Uintas » Wolf Creek
Location Name or Route
Wolf Creek Area
Weather
Sky
Scattered
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Weather improved though out the day. Clouds started as broken and moved to few. Winds stayed light with the occasional moderate gust at high elevation. Temps felt cold on the teens but the sun was strong when it was out.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
3"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Rain-Rime Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
There was a couple of inches of light snow from yesterday on top of the denser snow. At many upper elevations exposed to the elements there was suggestion of a rime crust that had been disrupted by wind. The trees where caked in rime.
A few places were minorly scoured by the wind but not enough to make for bad riding.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
There have been recent avalanches and when feeling in the snow the structure to support the PWL is still there. There is a significant amount of snow above this weak layer that could indicate it could gain strength in the future.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
There was pillowy wind drifted snow on multiple aspects and elevations. But with light winds and minimal observed snow transport today I would expect this to be decreasing until there is more wind.
Comments
The Uintas are caked in snow on all aspects. Winds have not affected snow too much and surface conditions remain powdery and relatively light on all aspects.
On steep due south slopes the sun was strong and heating up the snow. I would guess there to be a slight zipper crust on these aspects tomorrow.
I noted some cornice fall and dry loose activity that likely happened a couple of days ago during the storm.
The only recent avalanche activity I notices as the one reported yesterday an the south side of the South Fork of the Provo East of the Nobletts trailhead.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable