Observation: Weber Canyon

Observation Date
12/26/2015
Observer Name
jg
Region
Uintas » Upper Weber Canyon » Weber Canyon
Location Name or Route
Weber Canyon
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Northeast
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Clear skies and cold temps. Light to moderate winds from the NE/ENE. Moderate to strong gusts. Plumes visible off the high ridges on the north side of the canyon and snow drifting in spots on the road. Cold.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

Awesome riding conditions.

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

Increasing danger on slopes getting loaded by the wind.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments

Plenty of soft snow available for transport and the wind is blowing at moderate speeds from the NE/ENE. Potential for step-down avalanches if wind slab is triggered due to poor snowpack structure.

Comments

Visible plumes off many points on the high ridge lines. Photo shows active windloading, crossloaded slopes, and old, blown in avalanches.

Noticed this avalanche right off the road on a steep north facing bank of the Weber River.

Just out for a cruise on the sled today so I didn't stray too far from the canyon bottom. I thought the wind loading was worth a mention. A lot of the old slides were hard to discern due to the fact they've been filled in by snow but I could still count avalanches from this last storm cycle on two hands. Another thing I noted was there were several slides that ripped out mid slope.

Moderate danger where I was traveling today but more like considerable to high in upper elevation terrain depending on slope angle and aspect.

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