Observation Date
2/20/2014
Observer Name
jg
Region
Uintas » Upper Weber Canyon
Location Name or Route
Upper Weber Canyon
Weather
Sky
Broken
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Overcast skies, light winds from the NW and temps in the low 20's at the trailhead in the morning. Light snowfall the first part of the day with 1"-2" of accumulation. Clouds breaking up by mid afternoon. Light to moderate winds from the W in the afternoon with strong gusts on the high ridges. Temps in the single digits above 10K.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
3"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments

3" at the trailhead, 10"+ above 10K. The wind was moving snow along the high ridges and loading E and SE facing slopes.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments

I could get fresh drifts to crack but not move very far. If winds continue increasing danger.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments

The deeply buried weak layers are still a concern especially steep wind loaded slopes with an easterly component to the aspect. Same to decreasing danger.

Comments

Traveled from 7400' - 10,900', all aspects.

The snow from the last two storms was bonding well to preexisting surfaces and the snowpack seems to be adjusting to it's new load. Very little cracking and no sluffing on steeper slopes. I'm still very mindful of the deep slab instability when I'm traveling and skiing. There's plenty of soft snow available for transport so closely watching wind directions will be helpful in making travel decisions. If winds keep cranking, high danger, otherwise I would say considerable. HIGH consequence.

Today's Observed Danger Rating
High
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable