Observation: Upper Weber Canyon

Observation Date
1/26/2016
Observer Name
Kikkert
Region
Uintas » Upper Weber Canyon
Location Name or Route
Upper Weber Canyon
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Northeast
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Winds had an easterly component early, but became more straight northerly as the day went on. There was evidence of a few shallow wind slabs that released early this morning from the wind; south facing 4 Eagle, Giant Steps, etc. However, during the day it seemed like the winds were stiffening the new snow into a slab more than they were loading one particular area.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Problem #1 Comments

Wind stiffening of the slab led to an active day along upper elevation ridges, sent photos of the explosive and ski cut triggered slides in 4 Eagle and Giant Steps. All were running on what seemed to be well preserved stellar dendrites with maybe a tiny bit of faceting that could have occurred during the clear night 1/22, but the latter was hard to verify. Didn't have any activity on this layer yesterday, but a bit stiffer of a slab today was all it took.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #2 Comments

Nothing stepped down into older snow. Of interest to me have been the facets formed Jan 10th-13th, this layer is visible, now buried down approximately 70 cm, but I don't think any slides in our terrain have run on this layer. This could be due to the fact that we skied things pretty hard during that period and broke the layer up. However, looked in N facing Humpy Creek chutes at the end of the day, which have not been skied much, and did not find this layer to be reactive (see attached pit).

Snow Profile
Comments

Considerable hazard today due to the ability for a skier to trigger an avalanche (popped out very easy on the ski cut). Not sure how quick this weakness 24 cm down will do away, don't think it will last long but perhaps pockety considerable tomorrow as well until it is a bit better behaved. Outside of wind effected terrain, moderate hazard.

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