Observation Date
1/22/2017
Observer Name
Michael Janulaitis
Region
Uintas » Upper Weber Canyon » Weber Canyon
Location Name or Route
Weber Canyon
Weather
Sky
Broken
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Extreme
Weather Comments
Overcast skies with strong wind in the morning then broken skies with extreme wind mid-day.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
2"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
2 inches of snow fell on my wind sheltered skin track late afternoon/early evening Saturday. Widespread wind loading in all open terrain above 9000 ft.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Problem #1 Comments
I was able to kick off a very small wind skin above very steep sheltered terrain (~50 degrees) than ran fast and far but was only about 15 feet wide. I also triggered a very small small slide on my way up onto the ridge in very safe terrain. I figured this would slide and so I used it as a test slope. Finally there was a natural that occurred in the area while I was lapping trees.
Comments
Extreme wind today. It was quite a site to see. Sled tracks from weeks ago have been re-exposed. Wind loading is widespread and cornices are gigantic giving a false sense of the ridge underneath. I have been leaving a very wide berth around all the cornices. I was still, however, able to find excellent powder in the trees and the meadows at lower altitudes are providing great riding.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
High
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Extreme
