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Observation: Upper Weber Canyon

Observation Date
1/26/2018
Observer Name
Kikkert
Region
Uintas » Upper Weber Canyon
Location Name or Route
Upper Weber Canyon
Weather
Sky
Broken
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Mostly cloudy with some breaks here and there. Few snow showers that didn't add up to anything. Winds were moderate (25 to 30) along upper elevation ridgelines.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
5"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

5-6" of new snow, light density, around 6%.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Winds were transporting the light snow along upper elevation exposed ridges, creating soft drifts immediately on the lee side of ridges (i.e., not transporting far off ridgelines). These drifts would crack out around your skis, but would not propogate. Poor structure still observed on many N through NE facing slopes.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Problem #1 Comments

New soft drifts were not very reactive (see above). Old hard drifts from yesterday's wind (now covered) were not reactive.

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

Continue to get propagation in snowpit tests. Still mostly leaving steep upper elevation northerly facing slopes alone.

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