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Observation: Uintas

Observation Date
2/25/2018
Observer Name
jg
Region
Uintas
Location Name or Route
Upper Weber Canyon
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Clouds broke early in the day and skies were mostly clear until around 3:00 when high clouds started to roll in. Temps were in the teens at 9K and single digits at 10K. Pleasant in the sun, cold in the shade. Winds were light out of the SW.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
1"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments

Just a trace of new snow overnight. The wind moved some snow around yesterday and there was evidence even at lower elevations but it seemed to be terrain driven. Wind damage and wind slabs weren't widespread or pronouncd where I traveled.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Rapid Warming
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Nothing super alarming in the red flag department. I checked "rapid warming" just because the sun was out a good part of the day even though the temps were cold.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments

Today, I was most concerned about the persistent weak layer just below the decomposing rime crust about 51 cms down (20"). In column tests this interface failed with medium effort (CT12-13). Also noted a slide that failed on this interface in steeper north facing terrain. More snow and wind may wake up this persistant weak layer. There are also a couple of other persistent weak layers deeper in the pack but they were not reactive in my tests. No results on ECT.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
10,100'
Slope Angle
30°
Comments

My deepest pit to date at 165 cms (65"). Still feeling like the pack is making a turn towards better stability but there are still plenty of signs of persistent instabilities that make some slopes a roll of the dice. If we add more weight to the pack via a storm or wind these instabilities are sure to come to life.

Noted a few dribbles in the new snow on steep, east facing slopes, most likely due to the sun.

I'd call the danger moderate where I traveled today. Moderate to considerable danger tomorrow depending on where you're traveling.

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