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Observation: Moffit Environs

Observation Date
2/17/2024
Observer Name
Brackelsberg/Chester
Region
Uintas » Moffit Environs
Location Name or Route
Western Uintas
Weather
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Very cold morning at the trailhead with the truck thermometer reading -5F. Temperatures warmed quickly as the morning progressed and we climbed. The day turned out to be near perfect with clear skies and temperatures that were warm but didn't heat the snow.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
13"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
The new snow lead to near perfect riding conditions.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
The natural avalanche on Double Peak (https://utahavalanchecenter.org/avalanche/84221) was indicative of the sensitivity of the wind-drifted new snow.
Snow Profile
Aspect
East
Elevation
9,600'
Slope Angle
22°
Comments
We dug in 2 locations, 1 near Double Hill and the included profile closer to Moffit Pass. We were looking to evaluate if the PWL was active in these locations. Near Double Hill, the faceted layer was buried 150cm. Near Moffit Pass, the layer was only buried 95cm, but was unreactive to our stability tests.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates