Observation Date
1/13/2014
Observer Name
Ted Scroggin
Region
Uintas » Bear River Ranger District » Gold Hill
Location Name or Route
Gold Hill Basin
Weather
Sky
Broken
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northeast
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Some clearing early afternoon, with clouds moving back in around 1pm with light snow and an increase in northeast winds.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Quite challenging conditions to travel around right now. In very protected areas the snow is quite nice, but generally the wind has been all over the place creating huge drifts and deep wallowing snow. I spent a good portion of my afternoon getting the sled unstuck. It was hard to tell how much new snow came overnight and yesterday with so much wind?
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Cracking
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Still did not get to see much of the higher terrain, but the wind has worked much of the area. Winds were still moving snow around today and fresh wind drifts were quite sensitive to the weight of a rider.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
I would guess many slopes did avalanche naturally during this several day storm event. But some slopes are still waiting for a trigger. It has been quite the load of new snow and wind loading onto a weak snow pack.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
The winds continue to move snow around and large drifts have formed even in the flatter terrain. The few small slopes I was able to see had fresh wind deposited snow that would crack about two feet deep around sleds and skis.
Comments
Some calm and mild weather for a few days should help settle things out and improve the riding conditions. I think the avalanche hazard although will stay some what elevated for awhile, the snow pack will need some time to adjust to the added weight.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
