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Observation: Lower Weber Drainage

Observation Date
1/13/2023
Observer Name
Mike J
Region
Uintas » Lower Weber Drainage
Location Name or Route
Lower Weber Canyon
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Direction
Southeast
Wind Speed
Moderate
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Faceted Loose
Melt-Freeze Crust
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Comments
I took the day and got into some terrain I wait until conditions stabilize. Up high above 10K on the north half of the compass south winds have created the largest cornices I've seen in the area extending out into slopes over twenty feet. They are very impressive and come spring when they fail, they will certainly pack a punch. Right now, they appear to be rock solid, however my experience tells me to keep my distance so that's the protocol I am following. While passing Hoyt Peak, I discovered it had repeated during the last cycle, however the slide was limited to the NE aspect and did not propagate to either dead north or east. Steep east faces are naturally sluffing. Steep north terrain, 45°+, requires moving to the side to let the sluff run by while a little lower angle in the upper 30s just requires line adjustment. The Uinta’s do not rest. Just two clear nights and we have noisy faceted powder on the north half of the compass. It’s not everywhere and thanks to persistent SE winds today, the surface hoar was scoured clean in exposed terrain today, however sheltered north terrain was unaffected by the wind and the surface hoar continues to live there.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate