Observation: Weber Canyon

Observation Date

12/21/2012

Observer Name

Region

Uintas

Location Name or Route

Weber canyon

Weather

Sky

Clear

Wind Direction

South

Wind Speed

Moderate

Weather Comments

Blue bird. South winds, gusty on high ridge lines. Winds predominately from the south but also coming from SW and at times even from the SE. Not that cold out of the wind.

Snow Characteristics

Snow Surface Conditions

Dense Loose

Snow Characteristics Comments

Dense, creamy, re-crystalized powder. Wind was beginning to form thin wind skins on some slopes.

Red Flags

Wind Loading

Poor Snowpack Structure

Avalanche Problem #1

Problem

New Snow

Trend

Same

Problem #1 Comments

My biggest concern is the deep, persistent slab instability we have been dealing with.

Avalanche Problem #2

Problem

Persistent Weak Layer

Problem #2 Comments

increasing danger if wind keeps up

Snow Profile

Aspect

West

Elevation

9,900'

Slope Angle

30°

Comments

The upper part of the snowpack's instabilities have settled out quite a bit but we were still able to get failure in column tests about 12" from the surface below the wind event earlier this week. The upper portion of the pack is quite supportable, even on a snow machine. Again, it is harder to trigger but CT's and ECT's failed with energy below the rime crust on early season facets. Q1 and Q2 shear qualities. In some places the the rime crust is breaking down and is quite thin, while in others it is still an inch thick. There was about 3' of snow in the areas we skied. Surface hoar was prevalent in the lower valley bottoms but none noted off the valley bottoms.

Observation: Weber Canyon

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