Observation: Weber Canyon

Observation Date
2/5/2017
Region
Uintas » Upper Weber Canyon » Weber Canyon
Location Name or Route
Weber Canyon
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Mild temps. Clouds rolled in at the end of the day ahead of the upcoming storm.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Damp
Red Flags
Red Flags
Cracking
Collapsing
Rapid Warming
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Cracking and collapsing mainly occuring at lower elevations, failing on buried, preserved surface hoar. Found buried surface hoar from 7400 ft. to 9400 ft. on northerly facing slopes.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments

Increasing danger in places with preserved surface hoar with increased water weight forecasted over the next few days.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
9,300'
Comments

Wet activity on a steep east facing slope.

First photo: cracking.

Second and third photos: preserved, buried surface hoar.

Was finding yesterday's storm snow not bonding that well to the old snow surface. Was a none-issue today and guessing it should settle out quickly.

Traveled the north half of the compass from 7400-10,500 today.

With more snow forecasted, the increased water weight will bring back to life the persistent slab issue we are having with the buried surface hoar.

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