Observation Date
3/12/2014
Observer Name
jg
Region
Uintas » Upper Weber Canyon
Location Name or Route
Upper Upper Weber Canyon
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
North
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Classic Utah bluebird day. No wind. Mid 20's at 10K.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
6"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments

The sun is high in the sky but upper elevation and shady slopes were holding soft snow on a supportable base. 4"-8" of settled snow from yesterday's storm. Wind affected snow in upper elevation open terrain.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Rapid Warming
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
New snow instabilities on slopes in the sun.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Same
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
10,100'
Slope Angle
32°
Comments

Still feeling a little gun-shy here in the western Uintas. Stability tests showing mixed results but ECT tests scores were in the moderate to hard category and showed a propensity to shear. Snow machines were recently testing slopes with no results but snowpack structure tells a different story. Seems like it's still a roll of the dice out here even though there were no signs of recent avalanches AND slopes have been ridden with no consequences. Step down slides certainly possible. Deep slab instabilities would make for a very unpleasant ride as the slab is about 5' thick. Solar influences will be a player in the next few days.

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