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Observation: Whitney Basin

Observation Date
1/2/2015
Observer Name
Ted Scroggin
Region
Uintas » Bear River Ranger District » Whitney Basin
Location Name or Route
Whitney Basin-Double Hill
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Nice day with clear skies, cool temps, but not the brutal cold we have been having and light winds.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Cold powder snow this morning, some surface hoar observed in the shady protected areas and the riding and turning conditions are not too bad. I was still finding some of the bigger rocks and stumps in the Whitney area, but a person can move around and enjoy the early conditions.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
No real red flags observed today other than the snow pack structure in this area still has some weak sugary snow near the ground, but no alarming results from snow pit tests.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
I did not spend much time along the higher ridge lines, but would suspect there could be some lingering wind slabs still sensitive to the weight of a rider.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
I have not heard or seen any recent avalanche activity that involves the buried weak snow near the ground.
Comments
Some old news, but a nice pocket that released on a northeast facing slope on DoubleHill. Not sure of the time frame or if it was a natural or human triggered slide.
Riders have been getting into steeper terrain with the nicer weather and better riding conditions.
The strong east winds blew upslope on DoubleHill exposing the old tracks and depositing wind drifted snow on the southwest and northwest facing slopes which is unusual for the area.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate