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Observation: Uintas

Observation Date
1/24/2020
Observer Name
Craig Gordon
Region
Uintas
Location Name or Route
Upper Weber Canyon
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Light winds even along the ridges hardly transporting any snow. Warm temps and damp snow settling rapidly, and recent rime events are helping to throw a cargo net over the surface snow, essentially welding it in place.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
6"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Rain-Rime Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Damp, surfy, spongy surface snow.... skis fast and fun.
Red Flags
Red Flags Comments
Limited wind loading forming hit or miss slabs along the leeward side of upper elevation ridges.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Shallow slabs feel well adjusted and happy in their own skin, unless we get some water and wind.
Large cornices have the potential to break further back than you might think.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #2 Comments
It's been a week since we've seen any slides breaking to weak snow near the ground and it feels like the snowpack is becoming warm and homogenous
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate