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Observation: Uintas

Observation Date
12/26/2023
Observer Name
Ted Scroggin
Region
Uintas
Location Name or Route
Whitney Basin
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Cold and clear today with single digit temps this morning at the trail head with very light northwest winds on the ridge line.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Faceted Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Despite the thin snow cover, the snow conditions are quite nice with mostly supportable cold light density snow on the surface. On sleds and skis the snow is generally supportable, but once I stepped off the sled I was sinking to the ground. Maybe the snow pack is losing a little of its integrity or strength with this long stretch of dry weather.
Red Flags
Red Flags Comments
No red flags today where I traveled, but possibly a shallow wind drift that might still be a little reactive to a rider if you are up along the higher ridge lines. Conditions felt mostly stable and in a holding pattern till the weather changes.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
I think this problem has mostly settled out and is not a real issue right now, but the northwest winds that blew for a couple days had plenty of loose snow to drift onto the leeward side off ridges.
Comments
Just a few minor wind issues from the northwest winds that have been blowing the last couple days, these were both natural and human triggered on a northeast facing slope.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low
Coordinates