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Observation: Bald Mtn Pass

Observation Date
11/22/2016
Observer Name
Ted Scroggin
Region
Uintas » Mirror Lake Highway » Bald Mtn Pass
Location Name or Route
Murdock Peak
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
After a cloudy morning, skies cleared and it was a beautiful day in the Uintas with calm winds and mild temperatures.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
8"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Medium to high density snow has helped to get the winter going, but it is still quite thin out there.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Red Flags Comments
A little surprised to find some wind drifted snow that would crack out around your feet. Pretty minor and just along the ridge lines. I did have two small collapses where the snow had drifted in and was near some exposed rocks and stumps.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
There was probably some sensitive wind drifted snow early in the storm, but things seemed pretty settled this afternoon. It is still very rocky and thin and a person would really have to get through nasty terrain to stumble into one of these small isolated wind slabs. With more snow on the way, this could become more of an issue?
Comments
It was nice to see the area under a coat of white today. About 8" new snow that is helping to get the winter going.
These two photos are taken from the same general area when I was out on Saturday. What a difference a few days can make. Looking at the south side of Bald Mt. and along the ridge line on Murdock Peak.
Just some minor wind slabs along the ridge line.
The snowpack is beginning to gain a little depth and a few layers that will need to be watched as the snow piles up.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low