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Observation: Upper Weber Canyon

Observation Date
2/22/2018
Observer Name
jg
Region
Uintas » Upper Weber Canyon
Location Name or Route
Upper Weber Canyon
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Temps in the teens at 9K and single digits at 10K. Light snowfall but no accumulation. Moderate southwest winds with occasional strong gusts blowing snow out of the trees but didn't note too much snow transport where I was.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Red Flags
Red Flags
Cracking
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments

Feeling like the snow pack is gaining strength but the persistent slab issue is still in your face and doesn't inspire confidence to jump into steeper terrain.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments

With plenty of snow available for transport and moderate to strong S to SW winds, upper elevation N through NE facing slopes may harbor new, shallow wind slabs tomorrow. Wasn't seeing too much snow transport where I traveled today though.

Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
10,100'
Slope Angle
28°
Comments

Traveled from 7400 -10,200 ft. on the north half of the compass. Stuck to mostly protected terrain to avoid the cold wind. Still thin cover at lower elevations and rocks, stumps and logs are freshly camouflaged with the new snow. The snowpack is punchy and unsupportable in most places and you generally sink to your crotch if you get off your skis or sled.

Noticed one slide on a steep, rocky east facing slope at around 9K. It looked like it slid during or right after the storm.

My ECTs failed 76cms down (30") with hard effort but I got full propogation and energetic failures on both tests. I'll be watching water weight over the next several days as the small storms forecasted start to add more weight to the snowpack.

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