Ad
The National Forest Service Logo
icon-add Observation
Forecasts
Logan Ogden Salt Lake Provo Uintas Skyline Moab Abajos Weather Archives How to read the forecast
Observations & Avalanches
Submit Observation Observations Explorer All Observations Avalanches Fatalities Weather Place Names Map Archives
Education
Avalanche Class List UAC Class List Online Classes Resources and Tutorials Avalanche Awareness Develop Skills
Events
Store
About
Contact Who we are Core Values Staff Board of Directors Past Forecasters Sponsors Annual Reports Sign In
Blog
icon-add Observation
Donate / Join

Observation: Upper Weber Canyon

Observation Date
3/19/2025
Observer Name
Craig
Region
Uintas » Upper Weber Canyon
Location Name or Route
Upper Weber Canyon
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Stunning day on the eastern front... light winds, winter-like temps, and deep, cold snow.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Even with morning temperatures in the single digits, it's hard to outrace the strong spring sunshine. Mid and lower solars took on heat in a hurry, while upper elevation polars stayed cold and dry.
Red Flags
Red Flags Comments
Other than some minor sluffing on sustained, steep slopes, the storm snow was rather well-behaved
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Problem #1 Comments
Cornices have grown exponentially in size. And while not particularly tender, slipping off one of these boxcar pieces of snow would feel like an unexpected elevator ride to the ground floor.
I avoided rollovers and obvious wind pillows, but still got in big terrain... tatooing, but not provoking the avalanche dragon.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #2 Comments
More the exception than the rule, avalanches breaking to weak snow now buied a couple feet deep, are still possible on steep, shady, heavily wind loaded slopes like this one in Upper Humpy Basin
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate