Observation: Weber Canyon

Observation Date
2/7/2019
Observer Name
jg
Region
Uintas » Upper Weber Canyon » Weber Canyon
Location Name or Route
Weber Canyon
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Overcast and breezy in morning. By mid day the clouds broke and it was classic bluebird conditions. Light west winds. Very cold, especially the first half of the day when the sun was obscured. Low single digits at 10K.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Soft wind skins up to 2" thick in wind affected areas.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Minimal cracking and collapsing. We weren't traveling in wind loaded areas but with the amount of wind we've gotten with the storm cycle it was in the back of my mind. Snowpack structure was my biggest red flag today.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
I feel like I'm beating a dead horse but the persistent weaknesses (plural) in the snowpack continue to be a big issue. That "solid feel" under skis and sled give you a false sense of security. Avalanches failing on these deeper layers will be serious.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Snow Profile
Comments
Morning sky.
The wind has been having it's way with the new snow. Obvious signs are prevalent wherever you look.
Slide that released during the storm cycle. East facing around 9700 ft. Possibly a repeater.
There are several density changes within the new storm snow but the new snow was not very cohesive and not acting like a slab where the wind hadn't affected it. The biggest concerns still seem to be lurking deeper in the pack. Snowpit test were stubborn and I had no propagation in ECT's. CT's failed on deeper persistent weaknesses with medium to hard effort to fail. I've been finding preserved surface facets under the new storm snow in my travels this week. Steep slopes are still suspect in my opinion and I don't see it changing overnight. It's easy to get overly excited when conditions are so good but I'm still going to exercise my patience and ere to the side of caution.
Preserved surface facets.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable