Observation: Upper Weber Canyon

Observation Date
1/13/2016
Observer Name
jg
Region
Uintas » Upper Weber Canyon
Location Name or Route
Upper Weber Canyon/Main Fork/Middle Fork
Weather
Sky
Scattered
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Strong
Weather Comments
Wind was cranking the second half of the day. Strong SW winds with gusts in the 40's and 50's on the ridgelines.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Faceted Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments

Mostly soft settled snow but in the wind zone sensitive slabs were being formed.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Cracking
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Wind was the biggest red flag of the day with sensitive wind drifts being formed on the ridgelines and in open, wind exposed terrain.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments

The strong SW winds were moving the soft snow from last week into sensitive wind slabs on N and NE facing slopes.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
10,100'
Slope Angle
30°
Comments

Southwest winds blowing massive amounts of snow off Long Peak.

On the wind exposed ridgelines sensitve wind drifts were common and propagating with ease.

The wind was really cranking today and there's plenty of soft snow available for transport. Wind slabs on the north half of the compass will be something to look out for tomorrow. These slabs have the potential to overload the basal facets of the snowpack either on their own or from a step down scenario if they're triggered.

The other area of concern are slide paths that released in the Christmas storm cycle. These areas are shallow and weak and will easily fail again when enough weight in put on the pack. Between today's windloading and the upcoming forecasted snow, these areas will be prime for avalanching.

Snowpit tests still reflect the basal facets as the weakest interface in the snowpack.

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