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Observation: Upper Weber Canyon

Observation Date
2/15/2018
Observer Name
Kikkert
Region
Uintas » Upper Weber Canyon
Location Name or Route
Upper Weber Canyon
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Off and on snowfall all day with WSW winds 20 to 30 mph all day, gusting near 40. Much colder, with temps between 5 and 9 degress.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
11"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

9" overnight, with 2" during the day. Light density with 0.6" of water. Winter.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
Winds were moving snow along the upper elevation ridgelines, but few wind slabs (see below).
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Problem #1 Comments

Despite wind and snow, was only finding shallow wind slabs right below cornices, and even these didn't want to crack out and move very much. That said, there was one observation of a shallow natural during a break in the weather in very exposed, steep terrain. In short, no doubt there are some wind slabs out there, but they were not as widespread as I expected. Tomorrows' hazard depends on what the winds do. If they stay strong, I would expect wind slabs to be a bit more connected and reactive tomorrow.

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

Two test pits in upper elevation northerly terrain indicated that the 0.6" of water added to the snowpack was not enough to reactivate our persistent weak layers. However, there is probably a slope out there that has been wind loaded enough to reactivate old weak layers.

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