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Observation: Upper Weber Canyon

Observation Date
12/31/2016
Observer Name
Kikkert, House
Region
Uintas » Upper Weber Canyon
Location Name or Route
Upper Weber Canyon
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Clear, bluebird day. Despite being warm in the sun, air temp was still quite cool.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Faceted Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments

Snow surface faceting with the last few clear nights and the top 1-2 cm is composed of 1 mm near surface facets. Soft settled powder on sheltered north facing slopes, lots of wind and sun damage around the rest of the compass.

Red Flags
Red Flags Comments
No current red flags. Snow surface is weak, but not sure we will get enough snow out of the next storm to matter.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Problem #1 Comments

Lots of wind damage around the compass. Provoked a few wind loaded areas, and for the most part the wind slabs that came out were only about 3-4" deep, with a portion of one pocket being slightly deeper. For the most part very manageable. See photos below.

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

The NSF down approximately 35-40 cm are not reactive at this point. They are both not all that week, and lacking a slab on top. Looked a lot in areas that had previously slid, likely around the 17th. Although the snowpack was shallower in these areas, it was not much weaker than areas that have not slid.

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