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Observation: Haystack

Observation Date
3/16/2023
Observer Name
Manship, Cook, Mossey
Region
Uintas » Haystack
Location Name or Route
Haystack
Weather
Sky
Clear
Weather Comments
Calm, bluebird day. Didn't feel any wind while we where out there. Cool in the shade but the direct sun was strong and warm.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
10"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Snow in the morning was medium density on all aspects and elevations. As we went into the alpine the exposed high elevation areas where wind affected. As the day went on, upper elevation solars where taking on heat. As we moved down below 9500' even low angle flat areas where taking on heat, but polar aspects where staying cold. At low elevations all aspects where affected by the sun. There will be a crust on these aspects affected by the sun.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Winds worked the upper elevations pretty hard, there was evidence of natural wind slab avalanches at these upper elevations in steep terrain that likely happened during the last storm. But there where no winds where we were and no signs of transport today.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
In steep terrain we where able to get some of the new snow to start moving. It was pretty isolated with low energy.
Comments
Beautiful March pow day. The high peaks are still mostly white despite recent winds. Snow remained good in sheltered areas and areas not in contact with the direct sun.
South of Haystack peak we probed and it was a full (280cm) length plus an arm length, over 3.5 meters deep.
As I mentioned previous there where signs of recent wind slab avalanches in the high alpine.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates