Observation: Upper Weber Canyon

Observation Date

1/25/2018

Observer Name

Kikkert

Region

Uintas » Upper Weber Canyon

Location Name or Route

Upper Weber Canyon

Weather

Sky

Overcast

Wind Direction

Southwest

Wind Speed

Strong

Weather Comments

Strong southerly winds until about 430 pm when the front finally arrived. Many south and southwest facing slopes getting stripped of what snow they had. Snowing as of 5pm.

Snow Characteristics

Snow Characteristics Comments

Still nice soft settled powder on sheltered shady slopes, but lots of wind damage everywhere else.

Red Flags

Wind Loading

Poor Snowpack Structure

Red Flags Comments

Obvious wind loading onto northerly facing slopes. Given the warm temps and high winds, slabs were becoming a bit stiff and hard to trigger with ski cuts.

Avalanche Problem #1

Problem

Wind Drifted Snow

Problem #1 Comments

See comments above and separate avalanche submission. These will be hidden by new snow tomorrow and may catch people off guard.

Avalanche Problem #2

Problem

Persistent Weak Layer

Problem #2 Comments

These still lurk out there on north through northeast. Was finding very poor structure today in some pits, and OK structure in others. However, recent avalanche activity shows that pits may have limited utility right now due to a very spatially variable snowpack. In particular have noticed slabs coming out lower on the slope than expected. Best practice is to give them some more time.

Photo shows the stripping of the southerly facing slopes by the strong southerly winds.

Today's Observed Danger Rating

Considerable

Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating

Considerable

Learn More

Take a Class

How To

Help the Community

Upcoming Events

Observations & Avalanches