Observation: Uintas

Observation Date

1/8/2026

Observer Name

Weston D

Region

Uintas

Location Name or Route

West Side of Mirror Lake

Weather

Sky

Overcast

Precipitation

Light Snowfall

Wind Direction

North

Wind Speed

Moderate

Weather Comments

Pockets of sun but the majority of the morning was overcast. Wind was COLD and coming out of the north. Overall it was light snowfall but no real accumulation.

Snow Characteristics

New Snow Depth

New Snow Density

Low

Snow Surface Conditions

Powder

Snow Characteristics Comments

5-6" of new snow overnight.

Red Flags

Poor Snowpack Structure

Red Flags Comments

We observed buried surface hoar in two locations, one NNW @ 10,00 and S @ 10,200. Surface hoar was 6-7mm in size and between 12-16cm down. See pictures. Of note we also had an ECTP on a South aspect @ 10,200.

Comments

Below are some pictures from our pit at 10,130ft that was due South. HS was 110cm with the CERC and basal facets clearly visible.

ECTP failed below the CERC crust and at the basal facets.

Surface hoar buried 12cm at this location however this site was subject to wind transport so could be deeper or shallower in other locations.

Observation: Uintas

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