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Observation: Whitney Basin

Observation Date
2/20/2017
Observer Name
Craig Gordon
Region
Uintas » Bear River Ranger District » Whitney Basin
Location Name or Route
Weber Canyon/Whitney Basin
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Nothing too alarming, but SW winds blowing snow around near the high ridgelines
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
6"
New Snow Density
High
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments

Full gamut of snow conditions today

Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
Natural slide in upper Weber Canyon (see below) and wind loading along the leeward side of upper elevation ridges.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments

A lot of cross-loading in chutes and gullies.

Corni continue building.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments

Steep low elevation terrain took on heat and I could easily trigger damp, manageable slides.

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