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Observation: Duchesne Ridge

Observation Date
11/22/2024
Observer Name
Nassetta
Region
Uintas » Duchesne Ridge
Location Name or Route
Duchesne Ridge
Weather
Sky
Few
Weather Comments
A beautiful, sunny, mild day in the Western Uintas. Skies were clear till late afternoon when scattered coverage began to roll through town. Temperatures were warm, reaching mid-40s F by mid-day. My crew and the snowpack were both feeling the heat. Winds were calm, and not doing much to affect the snow throughout travels.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Faceted Loose
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
The snowpack varies with travel across the range. Near Wolf Creek Pass today, I went looking for information ahead of the large storm on tap for this weekend and the holiday. What I found was a variety of snow surfaces and snow depths. Where the snowpack is supportable, skiing and riding was fun when matched with the right slope angle and terrestrial characteristics (aka low-angle slopes with plenty of grass for base!). Just a great time to be in the mountains getting the stretching of the legs until its time for the sled to come out!
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Snow Profile
Comments
A few old lingering wind drifts were found along our travels. They were confined to upper-elevation ridgelines on the east half of the compass and were not sensitive to the additional weight of a rider.
A few old tracks from earlier in the week linger around the environs of Wolf Creek.
We noted a crust where we traveled on solar aspects. The warm temps and solar input on these aspect-specific slopes certainly made things supportable underneath us, but terrible for riding conditions and quality.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
None
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None