Observation: Weber Canyon

Observation Date
12/20/2015
Observer Name
jg
Region
Uintas » Upper Weber Canyon » Weber Canyon
Location Name or Route
Weber Canyon
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Snowing on and off all day with about 3" new up high by the end of the day. Light to moderate winds on the ridge lines moving snow in exposed terrain. Temps in the mid to upper 20's at the trailhead with temps in the mid teens at 10K.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
3"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

Right side up snow. Barely discernable rime crust.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments

Increasing danger with more snow and wind in the forecast.

Snow Profile
Aspect
West
Elevation
10,000'
Slope Angle
28°
Comments

Traveled the north half of the compass. Wasn't finding a pronounced rime crust in the area traveled. CT's failed with medium effort and Q1 shears on small grain facets that the 12/14-15 storm fell on. No result on two ECT's. Both broke where CT's failed but did not propagate across the column. Potential for avalanches stepping down into the weak basal facets.

Photo below is an example of the shear quality all my CT's.

Based on more snow and wind forecasted, increasing danger in the upcoming days.

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