Observation Date
2/9/2016
Observer Name
C Brown
Region
Uintas » Upper Weber Canyon
Location Name or Route
Weber Canyon
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
North
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Much lighter winds today were not helping to keep the snow cool. Got pretty warm at 10,300', 2C on north shaded aspect at 11:00.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
The snow is holding up on the higher (10,500') north aspects despite the warm temps. Did have some glomping on the base of my skis towards the end of the day on lower angle, slightly lower elevation (10,000') north aspect.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Rapid Warming
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Definitely got warm to today, even at 10,500'. Seeing varying snowpack structure on similar elevation slopes. Slightly steeper areas with a hint of East were shallower with more weak snow on the ground. Some areas have a deeper pack with less weak snow on the ground.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
South aspects are going to be a problem as the day goes on. Would expect to start seeing some wet activity especially low and mid elevation areas. I would also be suspect of any low and mid elevation cornices with the continued warming. Some cornices have grown fairly large recently, especially upper ridgelines.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #2 Comments
I would still be wary of some steeper upper elevation northern aspect slopes that have previously avalanched. This problem seems pockety but where it goes it would be most of the snow pack. A concern because it could seem stable in some areas, and rip to the ground right next door.
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
10,300'
Slope Angle
39°
Comments
Profile is representative of one of the stronger areas. This slope previously slid and is holding just over 1m of snow but seems to be healing. The results in our CT and ECT were very broken non-planar fractures, CTM16 Q3, and ECTN25. Other areas were holding weaker snow presenting a persistent slab problem. I would still be cautious riding on steep northern slopes in upper elevation areas.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None
