Observation Date
12/29/2021
Observer Name
Craig Gordon
Region
Uintas » Upper Weber Canyon
Location Name or Route
Upper Weber Canyon
Weather
Sky
Broken
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Winds were strong enough to create shallow, yet sensitive drifts along the leeward side of upper elevation ridges.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
Shallow, cold, creamy snow in wind sheltered terrain
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #1 Comments
The image above explains the tale of two snowpacks. Where there was no old snow prior to the recent series of storms.... you're surfing with the dolphins. Where there was old October snow... you're surfing with the sharks.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Problem #2 Comments
Winds moved a fair bit of snow around today, but it was localized and confined to upper elevation ridges.
Comments
I took my own advice from today's forecast and stuck to terrain I knew had no old, October snow. I traveled in lower and mid elevation terrain facing the south half of the compass, dodged bushes, skied shallow pow, and had a blast!
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates
