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Observation: Uintas

Observation Date
12/22/2015
Observer Name
jg
Region
Uintas
Location Name or Route
Weber Canyon
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
On and off snow throughout the day with brief periods of S2 (moderate) snowfall. 3"-4" new during the day. Winds calm at lower elevations and in protected terrain, with moderate winds on the ridgeline. Winds transporting snow and loading north through east facing slopes in exposed terrain. Mild temps to start the day. Temps mid to upper teens at 10K.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
12"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

About 20" new since Monday. About 12" right-side-up new snow. Slight density changes throughout the storm snow. Deep trail breaking. On and off sandboxing when you would punch through to the weak basal facets. Deep day.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
A fair amount of collapsing throughout the day at all elevations. Light snow transport on the upper elevation ridgeline.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments

With 2" of water weight and strong winds, avalanches failing on the buried facet layers are the biggest concern. The slab is getting thicker and more connected. Large avalanches breaking deep and wide are a growing concern.

Increasing danger due to more snow and wind.

Snow Profile
Aspect
West
Elevation
9,700'
Slope Angle
26°
Comments

I was getting nice, clean shears on my CT's and ECT's.

Kept out of avalanche terrain for the most part today and visibility was poor so we weren't able to get a good look around. No natural activity noted in our travels. Plenty of red flags today though. Almost doubled the amount snow since Monday. Riding conditions are the best of the season but the snowpack structure has much to be desired. It can be difficult to make good decisions when the riding is SOOO good but the signs of a fragile snowpack are pretty obvious. Slope angle and good route finding is key right now as well as knowing what is above and connected to you.

Considerable danger today in the area traveled, Considerable to high danger tomorrow.

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