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Observation: Moffit Peak

Observation Date
12/30/2016
Observer Name
Ted Scroggin
Region
Uintas » Bear River Ranger District » Bear River West Fork » Moffit Peak SE Face
Location Name or Route
Moffit Peak
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Mostly clear day, mild temperatures and moderate southwest winds on the higher ridge lines, with little wind drifting.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Faceted Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Much of the higher terrain has been pretty worked over from the recent winds. Dense settled powder and loose faceted surface snow is still providing quite good riding and turning out of the wind zone.
Red Flags
Red Flags Comments
Still a few lingering wind slabs that are not overly sensitive to the weight of a person, but they will still break at your sled and skis about 8 to 10 inches deep.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
A few isolated wind slabs can still be found, these are sitting on the buried weak surface snow from the clear days and nights. I was only finding these to be about 10 " deep, just along the higher ridge lines and not overly sensitive.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
With so much terrain out there, a person could possibly stumble onto a slope that has shallow weak snow and trigger a deeper avalanche.
Comments
1. With nice weather and good riding conditions, the trailhead has been staying pretty busy. 2. Fairly nice conditions high up on Mofit Peak, light to moderate south winds and little snow transport. 3. A classic Uinta ridge line that is broad and open where winds can grab lots of snow and deposit onto the leeward side.
1. The weak surface snow is sluffing easily in steep terrain. 2. Riders are getting into bigger terrain with no avalanche activity. 3. We as riders need to make sure we are practicing good safe travel techniques and only put one rider at a time on the slope.
A few isolated wind slabs along the ridgelines about 10" deep, but not very connected.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low