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Observation: Mirror Lake Highway

Observation Date
2/7/2023
Observer Name
Champion
Region
Uintas » Mirror Lake Highway
Location Name or Route
Mirror Lake Highway/Haystack Mountain
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Direction
Northeast
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Generally clear skies, with a few clouds. Winds were over light, with a few gusts along ridgelines. Signs of some wind transport occurring along the highest ridgelines.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
8"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
The quick-hitting storm provided anywhere from 8-10" to the range. In most areas that we traveled today, the snow had already been impacted by the wind. With obvious texture, even down at lower elevations and on the lakes. Within the trees, the riding was still low-density powder.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Comments
Beautiful day, and great riding conditions. We headed out today to check out the snow surface conditions, and the primary concern of wind-drifted snow. Over the past two days, the storm refreshed the riding, but the winds did seem to make a bit of an impact. Throughout the day, winds remained generally light but drifting was observed along the highest peaks and ridgelines. Directly below ridgelines, like that of Haystack, there was obvious texture from the wind and some signs of recent avalanche activity that has been drifted in. As well the cornices continue to grow in size.
While riding we did not observe any obvious red flags and were unable to get any cracking, collapsing, or movement when riding on steeper slopes. When digging hasty pits, the upper 10-12" of the snowpack was consistently firmer, and acted as a more cohesive slab, but I was unable to get any results on this layer. That being said, I think you might still be able to find a lingering small pocket of wind-drifted snow in extreme terrain features at upper-elevations. Overall though, once you left the wind zone the overall danger seemed generally low.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None
Coordinates