Observation: Upper Weber Canyon

Observation Date
3/6/2018
Observer Name
jg
Region
Uintas » Upper Weber Canyon
Location Name or Route
Upper Weber
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Clear, sunny skies for the most part. Winds were light from the NW early in the day but shifted to SW later in the day. Cold start to the day but temps quickly warmed. 20's at 9K and teens at 10K.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments

Solar aspects were damp so you can expect melt freeze crusts tomorrow. Slopes on the north half of the compass stayed cold and dry.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Cracking
Collapsing
Rapid Warming
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Got one big whoomphing collapse today which left stress cracks on the slope below. The cracks were not continuous but extended a couple of hundred feet across the slope.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Normal Caution
Trend
Same
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
10,100'
Slope Angle
25°
Comments

After collapsing a slope and getting propagation with medium effort on ECT's we decided to air to the side of caution and, for the most part, kept slope angles down and tried to minimize our exposure when we did get into steeper terrain. Just when I was starting to feel a little better about the persistant slab instability, signs today told me we're not quite out of the woods yet.

Along with the persistant slab issue, you'll have to be aware of the strong March sun and warmer temps forcasted for the remainder of the work week.

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