Observation Date
1/3/2017
Observer Name
jg
Region
Uintas » Upper Weber Canyon » Weber Canyon
Location Name or Route
Weber Canyon
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Strong
Weather Comments
Temps in the mid teens at 9K, low teens at 10K. Winds were moderate to start but gradually increased to the strong category with gusts in the extreme category. SW winds were moving snow and were affecting terrain well off the ridges at mid elevations. I noted NE winds at certain times during the day.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
12"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
The wind was definitely having its way with the snow but excellent riding conditions were the theme of the day. Wind skins forming on the windward slopes.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Lots of snow available for transport and strong SW winds will be creating wind slabs on the NE facing slopes. I anticipate finding wind slabs well of the ridge lines.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
9,900'
Slope Angle
30°
Comments
With more snow forecasted the danger will be on the rise, especially if the storm comes in warm as predicted. Wind will accentuate the danger. The old faceted snow surface concerns me most but there is potential for buried persistent weak layers to come alive as well. Even though I haven't been getting propagation on ECTs on these layers, I wouldn't rule out that possibility.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
