Observation: Gold Hill

Observation Date

1/6/2026

Observer Name

Ted Scroggin

Region

Uintas » Gold Hill

Location Name or Route

Gold Hill

Weather

Sky

Clear

Wind Direction

Southwest

Wind Speed

Moderate

Weather Comments

Clear skies, cooler temperatures and winds were strong on the ridge lines, but mostly calm otherwise.

Snow Characteristics

New Snow Depth

14"

New Snow Density

Medium

Snow Surface Conditions

Powder

Faceted Loose

Wind Crust

Snow Characteristics Comments

A very nice storm for the north slope with around 6" at the trailhead and upwards of 16" in Gold Hill. Felt like the snow density was in the medium range and it really helped to fill in more terrain and greatly improved the riding and turning.

Red Flags

Recent Avalanches

Heavy Snowfall

Wind Loading

Red Flags Comments

The real standout red flag in my travels today was the moderate to strong southwest winds, mostly on the higher ridges. There were some small minor shallow wind slabs forming and there was no shortage of snow being blown around and forming fresh drifts. I was a bit surprised the snowpack did not have any collapsing and cracking with the new snow load.

Avalanche Problem #1

Problem

Wind Drifted Snow

Trend

Same

Problem #1 Comments

Felt like the winds were the big player today with fresh drifts and lots of blowing and drifting snow.

Avalanche Problem #2

Problem

Persistent Weak Layer

Trend

Same

Problem #2 Comments

I did not observe much natural avalanche activity that broke into the old snow from early in the season. There was one natural slide on Double Hill that likely avalanched during the recent storm. It may have broken into some deeper layers in the snowpack as this slope gets loaded from the south winds. The persistent weak layer continues to show its hand, even though in my snow pit it took several hits from my shoulder for the column to fail.

Comments

Spotted this natural avalanche on Double Hill that likey ran during the storm.

The travel and snow conditions have really improved with this recent storm and the meadows and low angle terrain are riding and turning quite nice.

Today's Observed Danger Rating

Considerable

Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating

Considerable

Coordinates

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