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Observation: Weber Canyon

Observation Date
1/23/2019
Observer Name
jg
Region
Uintas » Upper Weber Canyon » Weber Canyon
Location Name or Route
Weber Canyon
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Overcast skies with cloud ceiling hovering around 9500 feet and obscuring the high peaks and ridges. Light rime at and above that elevation from the southwest. Light on and off snow adding up to barely a trace. Moderate WSW winds most of the day shifting to the west by the end of the day. Temps in the low to mid teens between 9k and 10K.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Soft, fast powder riding. Scoured wind board on exposed ridges. Light rime zipper crust on south facing terrain about 9500 ft.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Not much wind loading where we were traveling but signs of recent north winds were evident low off the high ridges cross loading slopes. Also came across signs of recent NE winds on and off through our travels. Cracking was minor and in the most recent snow. On and off collapsing throughout the day but most widespread skinning on a SW aspect. The snowpack structure hasn't changed and we're still dealing with a scary mid-pack persistent weakness.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
9,500'
Slope Angle
30°
Comments
Shear plane of ECT
Cracking in the newest snow.
In the cloud ceiling. Rimed trees and rimed stellars.
Poor visibility in open terrain with the low cloud ceiling. With plenty of snow available for transport, new wind slabs will be something to watch for tomorrow if you're traveling in the wind zone. The persistent weakness that's most troublesome is the December dry spell interface which was about 100 cms down where we traveled. Although it failed and propagated with hard effort and is adjusting to its newest load, a slide failing here would be ugly if you were taking a ride. High consequence, moderate probability.
With only 3"-6" forecasted tonight I doubt this will change much as far as the persistent weakness is concerned but new wind slabs will be something to keep an eye out for with moderate to strong W to NW winds. Considerable danger in the wind zone, especially on S through SE aspects. Moderate danger elsewhere unless venturing into steep terrain which would considerable danger.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable