Observation: Weber Canyon

Observation Date
1/21/2017
Observer Name
Michael Janulaitis
Region
Uintas » Upper Weber Canyon » Weber Canyon
Location Name or Route
Weber Canyon
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
14"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Comments

I got out later in the afternoon today to find over a foot of new snow overnight and throughout the day today for a 2 day total of 16 inches of constant over the head can't see blower powder. Telemarking would have been virtually impossible. Wind loading was minimal however I triggered this small wind skin. I also triggered this very small but very fast running sluff that had enough cohesiveness to it to fracture a dozen feet or so. Near the end of the afternoon, while it was snowing 2cm an hour, the snow turned to graupel. The damage was minimal if not nil however I suspect there are some graupel piles below the steeper slopes which could potential provide a weak density inversion layer as more snow piles up on top..

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