Check out our Holiday Auction - Sign Up for the Utah Snow and Avalanche Workshop (USAW)

Observation: Wolf Creek

Observation Date
11/29/2024
Observer Name
Nassetta, Gordon
Region
Uintas » Wolf Creek
Location Name or Route
Wolf Creek Pass
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
We had a great day up on the pass hunting shallow, creamy turns and info on our persistent weak layer and overall snowpack structure. Temps were mild and the sun was making a good effort today on solar aspects and warming the snow surface while providing good riding. Wind stayed calm a majority of the day with a breeze from the NW picking up mid-afternoon. Solar aspects took on heat and most likely will develop a crust by the new day. Polars continue to hold cold snow, but a majority of it is weak and faceted.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
The snowpack structure is generally weak and lacks a slab in many places. The recent storm snow did not produce a slab by itself, nor did it stand a chance to the past few cold and clear nights. Areas where the persistent weak layer is sitting below a slab, is specific to steep wind-drifted slopes at upper elevations. Although we have observed these avalanches up high, I am not letting my guard down when it comes to mid-elevation terrain either. A keep my eyes and feels peeled for the slab over weak layer combo.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
9,500'
Slope Angle
32°
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate