Observation Date
2/2/2023
Observer Name
Ted Scroggin
Region
Uintas » Gold Hill
Location Name or Route
Gold Hill
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
One of those beautiful days in the back country with pleasant temperatures, the winds were generally calm along the ridge lines and great snow conditions.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Faceted Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
Very nice snow conditions with a go anywhere base and soft snow all around the compass that held up all day even with warming temps. The surface snow is faceting and getting a little weak with dry loose sluffs possible on steeper slopes on the shady side of the compass.
Red Flags
Red Flags Comments
No red flags that I observed, although worth watching the snow surface has it grows weak and a possible weak layer that might get buried with a storm this weekend.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Generally I felt things are quite stable and good to go. I did however stumble on a very isolated and very small wind slab that failed when I stomped on it. It was roughly a foot deep, only 20' feet wide and looked like it had some preserved low density snow that got capped off with a little wind. I could not find any other places where this was the set up, I think this little area was both protected, but did see some wind to create a slab on top.
Comments
A perfect day with great snow, clear skies, no wind and finally out of the deep freeze.
1. A few places where the weak surface snow would sluff on steeper slopes.
2. This very small soft slab failed on some preserved low density snow that got capped off with a little wind and needed a little coaxing to release. I think these are quite isolated and need the right combination of protected places, but just enough wind to make it a slab.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates
