UDOT PLANNED AVALANCHE CLOSURES!!

Observation: Smith-Moorehouse

Observation Date
2/11/2023
Observer Name
Mike J
Region
Uintas » Smith-Moorehouse
Location Name or Route
Smith and Morehouse
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Wind Direction
Southeast
Wind Speed
Light
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Faceted Loose
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Cracking
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
9,900'
Slope Angle
28°
Comments
I got out to Smith and Morehouse and explored some WNW terrain I haven't been too before. I found a breakable wind slab on top with near surface facets underneath. Lots of great snow out there but it’s got to be hidden from the sun otherwise it’s crusted. When I tested the snow pack in surprisingly thin snow pack, 115 cm, the wind slab on top failed ECTN 12 on the facets below. When I pulled on the block with very little force from my shovel, the block fell right over failing on the November weak layer 30 cm above the ground.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low