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Observation: Gold Hill

Observation Date
2/18/2025
Observer Name
Ted Scroggin
Region
Uintas » Gold Hill
Location Name or Route
Gold Hill
Weather
Sky
Broken
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Skies were mostly cloudy with periods of light to moderate snow and the sun did appear for short stretches. About two inches of new snow fell during the day while I was out and the temperatures were pleasant with light south winds.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
10"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Lots and lots of great medium density snow with well over two feet that has added up since it started snowing last Thursday. The coverage and the riding conditions are excellent with nice supportable snow and I was pleasantly surprised how easy it was to get around with so much new snow.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Collapsing
Red Flags Comments
All the new snow was the big red flag in my travels, although I did not see any avalanches in the Gold Hill area. I did experience one small collapse on an east facing slope near the ridge line and there was blowing and drifting snow though the winds did seem to slow down as the afternoon went on.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
The Uintas have seen a lot of new snow, big water numbers and wind in the last few days and the photos of recent avalanches from other folks is evidence of how much weight has been added to the snow pack. I did not see any clear sign of recent avalanche activity in Gold Hill, but the place looks white and filled in and I would think it will take some time for slopes to adjust to the big load.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Problem #2 Comments
There is plenty of snow to blow around and the light to moderate winds from a south direction were building some small minor wind drifts along the exposed ridges, but they did not seem very reactive where I traveled around.
Comments
Pretty quiet at the trailhead this morning after a very busy holiday weekend and lots of great new snow. Talked with some riders Saturday and they mentioned it was the best day of the season!
Today it was off and on snow showers with large big flakes and maybe two new inches fell this afternoon.
The snow pack is getting deep and this snow pit on an east facing slope at 9,300' is 200cm/80" deep. There are several layers that are easy to identify from the different weather events this winter and a quick ECT test resulted in an ECTP27 failing on a weak layer around a crust that may have developed around the end of January.
No recent avalanche activity that I could see in and around Gold Hill.
Great snow conditions right now and it is easy to move around and enjoy the meadows and low angle slopes.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates