Observation: Weber Canyon

Observation Date
12/21/2015
Observer Name
Michael Janulaitis
Region
Uintas » Upper Weber Canyon » Weber Canyon
Location Name or Route
Weber Canyon
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
South
Wind Speed
Strong
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
12"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
10,400'
Slope Angle
24°
Comments

I headed out late today but was still able to get up into the higher terrain. There was quite a bit of snow overnight, about a foot in the upper terrain. The new snow is light density and skied very well. The wind transported snow overnight and cornices and wind slabs are now formed. The newly loaded snow is very sensitive. I was able to get a few small slides to run by simply approaching the edges. There was moderate collapsing and cracking while walking around in low angle terrain. The snow pack does not yet have any sort of support. When taking my skis off to dig or fix skins, I sunk to my thighs. I've been digging around quite a bit over the last week and today was the first time I was able to get an ECTP failure on top the various facet layers (about 2 feet deep in this location).

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