Observation Date
2/12/2019
Observer Name
Kikkert
Region
Uintas
Location Name or Route
Upper Weber Canyon
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Strong
Weather Comments
Clear and cold in the AM with light winds. Winds ramped up quickly in the PM and were strong on exposed ridgelines.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Good snow on most aspects and elevations.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Primary red flag was wind loading and recent avalanches. One new wind slab was noted in the AM. It wasn't observed yesterday afternoon, so assume it happened in the evening or overnight.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Winds yesterday were sufficient for additional loading on lee slopes as evidenced by the one natural observed. Winds picking up around mid-day started forming a fresh round of drifts.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
Facets formed in December continue to plague SE-NW facing slopes. Looked at one E facing slope that had previously avalanched and found that it has now filled back in with a 2-3 foot slab, with propagation on Dec facets that were not destroyed during the previous avalanche.
Comments
First photo belows show the natural, which was on an E facing slope at approximately 9800'. 2nd photo show the wind loading, which picked up considerably in the afternoon. 3rd photo shows a fresh wind slab that was intentionally triggered.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
