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Observation: Weber Canyon

Observation Date
1/22/2018
Observer Name
CBrown
Region
Uintas » Upper Weber Canyon » Weber Canyon
Location Name or Route
Upper Weber Canyon
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southeast
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Light to moderate winds. Light snowfall S~1 starting at about 10:00, with periods of S1. 1~3" of new through the day. Winds were generally light with periods of moderate on ridgelines. Snow transport on the ridges.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
3"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

About 1-3" of new during the day on top of about 15" of light density snow from the weekend.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Observed some SS and L avalanches that appeared to have happened during the storm. Loose dry sluffs triggered with ski cuts in >35* terrian. Still finding buried PWL's, although they seem to be unreactive currently. Three ECT's produced 2x ECTX on the PWL and 1x ECTP28 above the rain crust on FC 2 to 4mm. Tests performed at 10,400' E HS 109cm, PWL 35cm off ground and 10,200 E HS 120cm, PWL 20cm off ground. Also observed a faceted 2mm graupel layer 4cm thick, 67cm off the ground that could be an issue going forward.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments

Wind slabs were observed off ridges. Newest wind slab formation seemed to be on cross loaded S and SE aspects.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #2 Comments

Although seemingly dormant where observed today the structure still exists to produce persistent slab avalanches. Many faceted layers observed had some rounding starting. May be turning the corner in some places by bridging and burying the PWL's creating a low probability skier triggered persistent slab avalanche. In shallower areas this layer may still be an issue.

Snow Profile
Aspect
East
Elevation
10,200'
Slope Angle
41°
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate