Observation Date
12/16/2016
Observer Name
CBrown
Region
Uintas » Upper Weber Canyon
Location Name or Route
Upper Weber Canyon
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
At around 11:00 there was light winds light rain until about 8,000' where it changed to snow S~1. Continuing up to 9,500' by 12:00 the winds picked up to moderate with strong gusts WSW, precip increased to S1~S2 PPgp and rimed PP with the frontal passage. The winds calmed slightly shifted to the WNW and the temp started dropping around 13:30 and the lighter fluffy PP started comming down (seem to vary from S1~S3). Moderate blowing snow on and off all day.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
6"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Snow at 8,700 HS 38", HN24 6", HST 6" with 12% SWE at 11:00. Observed a 0.5cm rain crust that disappeared right about 9,000'. By 14:30 additional 3" at 8,700" of light density snow.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Had a lot of them today. Very warm start, rain, then high winds/transport, high PI rates. Large natural avalanches, cornices growing and sensitive
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
As seen in the full depth natural avalanches this is a real concern, and the most unmanageable or fatal of the problems. Persistent slab avalanches are also a main concern seeing the mid-pack weak layer being triggered by the sensitive storm slab stepping down. This layer is just waiting for a trigger, even in areas where the basal facets/deep slab problem doesn't exist.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
With the shifting winds and all the snow transport there will definitely be some wind slabs of varying thicknesses out there.
Comments
Full depth natural avalanches in the first two pictures. The cornices are getting fat, and they are cracking back a little ways. Watch out while traveling on ridge lines, know where solid ground is.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
High
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
High
