Ad
The National Forest Service Logo
icon-add Observation
Forecasts
Logan Ogden Salt Lake Provo Uintas Skyline Moab Abajos Weather Archives How to read the forecast
Observations & Avalanches
Submit Observation Observations Explorer All Observations Avalanches Fatalities Weather Place Names Map Archives
Education
Avalanche Class List UAC Class List Online Classes Resources and Tutorials Avalanche Awareness Develop Skills
Events
Store
About
Contact Who we are Core Values Staff Board of Directors Past Forecasters Sponsors Annual Reports Sign In
Blog
icon-add Observation
Donate / Join

Observation: Wolf Creek

Observation Date
2/16/2025
Observer Name
Paradis / Brackelsberg / Caplis
Region
Uintas » Wolf Creek
Location Name or Route
Wolf Creek Pass
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Weather Comments
Flat light and relatively warm at the Nobletts TH before the approaching system. By late in the day it had started snowing and by 3pm winds were quite strong at the top of the pass. Winds were out of the south/south west.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
18"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
In wind exposed areas, snow was quite dense from the windy but didn't feel particularly slabby. This was the case, even in some open meadows and during the first few turns off ridgelines. Not too far below ridgelines and out of the wind, snow quality improved considerably. Relatively few areas stipped bare of snow from the wind, which was a bit of a surprise.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Red flags present but no so much in your face. Two PWLs present in pit profile but we did not observe any avalanches and experienced only one small collapse. Recent snows may have added about 18" or more in snow depth, so checked heavy snowfall. We were mostly in the trees today so wind slabs were limited to open areas right around ridgelines.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Although not very evident (e.g. limited collapsing) two faceted layers plus new snow were enough to warrant caution. Further snow loading this week could potentially produce more avalanches in the short term. In the longer term, we will start trending towards more stability as we get to March and stack up snow above these layers and experience warmer temperatures..
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Although most of what we skied was unaffected by wind, some areas near ridges did have more dense will affected snow. The winds started to pick up at about 3pm and will continue with the approaching storm.
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
9,700'
Slope Angle
28°
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable