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Avalanche: Upper Weber Canyon

Observer Name
Craig Gordon
Observation Date
Thursday, February 5, 2015
Avalanche Date
Thursday, February 5, 2015
Region
Uintas » Upper Weber Canyon
Location Name or Route
Upper Weber Canyon
Elevation
10,400'
Aspect
Northeast
Slope Angle
40°
Trigger
Skier
Trigger: additional info
Intentionally Triggered
Avalanche Type
Hard Slab
Avalanche Problem
New Snow
Weak Layer
New Snow/Old Snow Interface
Depth
18"
Width
250'
Vertical
500'
Comments

Strong westerly ridgetop winds drifted recent storm snow to the leeward side of upper elevation terrain in the wind zone. Cornices were particularly tender, breaking further back than you might expect, and initiating slabs as they trundled steep terrain below.

This slide on a steep NE facing slope, broke into weak, old snow near a rock band close to the ridge.

Once triggered, yesterday's slabs were running a surprisingly long distance and could definitely ruin your day if you were on the receiving end.

This smaller natural slide quickly lost steam as it descended the slope.

Comments

A few drainages to the west in mid Weber Canyon we found much less wind effect and natural cornice failures produced no avalanches.

Comments

Lower parts of the canyon look more like mid March than early February.