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Observation: Smith-Moorehouse

Observation Date
3/27/2014
Observer Name
jg
Region
Uintas » Upper Weber Canyon » Smith-Moorehouse
Location Name or Route
Weber Canyon - Smith & Morehouse area
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Mostly overcast skies but short periods of broken sky late morning/early afternoon. Not enough sun to affect the snow quality. On and off light snowfall with periods of moderate snowfall rates. Periods of graupel. Winds were moderate to strong from multilple directions during the day. N, NW, W, WSW, SW. Temps in the mid to upper 20's at 9K. Felt colder with the wind.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
6"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments

6"-10" of light density snow above 9K. 4"-6" below 9K. Snow fell on a variety of old snow surfaces but new snow was bonding fairly well with those surfaces.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Red Flags Comments
Wind was the biggest red flag today. The winds were moving a lot of snow and loading and cross-loading a wide range of aspects.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Snow Profile
Comments

Winds were creating sensitive drifts.

Traveled from 7400-10,400, north half of the compass.

Winds were the big factor today, moving lots of snow from a variety of directions, loading and cross loading slopes.

Graupel pooling below steep slopes should be something to keep in mind in the near future.

Solar influences will be a factor between storm impulses. More winds will be something to keep in mind as well.

Moderate to considerable danger depending on elevation and aspect.

Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable