UDOT PLANNED AVALANCHE CLOSURES!!

Observation: Regionwide

Observation Date
2/3/2023
Observer Name
Craig Gordon
Region
Uintas » Regionwide
Location Name or Route
Regionwide
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
A few days of ridgetop winds from every direction created shallow slabs on the leeward side of upper elevation ridges.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
Stunning views and amazing coverage.
Spent the past three days covering the North Slope, South Slope and Mirror Lake zone and found a clear pattern.
Recent winds worked our big open Alpine terrain, and low elevation sunnies took on heat.
However shallow cream is found on sheltered shady mid elevation shady slopes
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
Lose the wind... you lose the problem
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Problem #1 Comments
Winds have been blowing from every direction, forming sensitive, yet shallow drifts reactive to our additional weight
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate