Observation: Weber Canyon

Observation Date
2/1/2013
Observer Name
jg
Region
Uintas
Location Name or Route
Weber Canyon
Weather
Sky
Broken
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Light to moderate northwest west winds with strong gusts on the ridge tops the first half of the day. Winds died down the second half of the day and were calm. Low cloud ceiling again today, around 10,000 ft, although not as cloudy as the last couple of days. The sky was broken and there were never long periods of blue sky. Warmer today but the winds early in the day made it seem colder.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
The new snow has settled making for fast, creamy sliding. In open terrain the snow feels somewhat inverted. The thin rime crust can be felt in places. Wind effected snow in open terrain.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Comments
Traveled from 7400-1,2000+, all aspects BUT east, slope angles to 38ยบ. With the relatively good visibility today i was able to have a decent look around and saw no signs of recent avalanches. Snow was mostly stable where I was. The sun may be a factor this weekend. The snowpack seems to be adjusting to it's new load but, with the poor snowpack structure we are dealing with, exercising caution and carefully evaluating terrain would be wise.
The rime crust on a NW facing slope at about 10,000ft. It is covered by 2" of mixed dense snow and graupel.
Low clouds at around 9800 ft. at 5:00 p.m. Typical the last few days.
Cornice on an east facing slope at about 10,000ft.