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Observation: Upper Weber Canyon

Observation Date
12/9/2022
Observer Name
Craig Gordon
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
Winds effecting snow surface and whipping up a few shallow drifts.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
Cold, creamy snow in wind sheltered terrain.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
No new avalanches, but poor snow structure is the big red flag.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Yesterday I dug around on a southwest facing slope at 9,400' which offer good looking total snow depths clocking in at 75 cm.
Unfortunately, buried weak layers in the mid portion of our snowpack exist on nearly every aspect. My partner Bob Merrill points to the failure plane which revealed itself when we performed a snow stability test. The slab resting above a weak, sugary November drought layer failed with one tap from the elbow (ECTP 11)
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Problem #2 Comments
Didn't get into any wind zone terrain during my travels, but winds definitely blowing snow around and forming shallow, fresh drifts.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable