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Observation: Upper Weber Canyon

Observation Date
2/20/2019
Observer Name
Kikkert
Region
Uintas » Upper Weber Canyon
Location Name or Route
Upper Weber Canyon
Weather
Sky
Broken
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Winds were lighter than expected. Observed only minor drifting of the new snow.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
1"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Cold temps have kept soft settled snow on all aspects.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Poor structure still abounds. Some areas are starting to look better, but it takes a lot of investigation to determine which ones.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Think most old wind slabs have settled out and are locked up with the cold. Found a few new shallow soft slabs from yesterday’s bump in winds, up to 6” deep, but not breaking very wide or running far. Cornices were super sensitive and almost got surprised a couple times when they broke back further than expected.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
Still there. Have looked at upper elevation SW for the past two days and have found poor structure with a shallow snowpack. Test results have consistently produced propagation on facets below a wind crust about 40 cm down from the surface.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate