Observation: Mirror Lake Environs

Observation Date
4/11/2024
Observer Name
Kelly, Kelly
Region
Uintas » Mirror Lake Environs
Location Name or Route
Bald Mountain
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Temperatures were in the high 30's °F and winds were blowing lightly from the southwest. There was no new snow to report.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Snow surface was mainly damp snow. Below 8,000' the snow surface was sticky and near trees, rocks, and snow bridges it was easy to get collapsing if you got too close. Higher elevations the snow surface was damp and supportable. At 10,700' the height of snow ranged from 4'-5'( 130-150cm) in flat areas that were probably a bit more wind-scoured. The snow surface had a thin crust just above the snow in some areas that was most likely firnspeigel and made for fun travel.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Normal Caution
Problem #1 Comments
We observed large cornices above southerly facing slopes on Bald Mountain just over 11,000' in elevation (photo 1). We also saw some old wet-loose debris on a north facing slope at 10,700' (photo 2) and a wet slab avalanche that looks like it started with warming on steep cliff bands on an east facing slope at 10,000' (photo 3). The wet slab avalanche may have been from this morning, but was hard to tell from such a distance.


Comments
Good riding conditions later in the afternoon with the surface warmup.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None
Coordinates