Observation: Upper Weber Canyon

Observation Date
2/26/2019
Observer Name
Kikkert, Hughes
Region
Uintas » Upper Weber Canyon
Location Name or Route
Upper Weber Canyon
Weather
Sky
Scattered
Wind Direction
South
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Mostly cloudy in the AM going mostly sunny afternoon. Winds continue to blow from the S in the 30 mph range.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Winds have gotten into most everywhere but still some soft settled snow out there.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
Starting to be less snow available for transport, but drifts are large on the lee sides of ridges and other terrain features.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Lots of wind slabs out there. However, was finding them to be a bit shallower than I expected and a bit stubborn. Good part is you may not trigger them, bad part is they may let you get pretty far out on them before releasing.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
Investigated a high elevation (>10,000) slope that has not slid this year. Structure and stability were good with a depth of over 2 M and a mostly homogenous snowpack. However, adjacent to this slope is a slope that has previously slid with a much shallower snowpack that is likely much different (that investigation will have to wait for another day). Point is, there are getting to be areas of stability, but you have to be doing your homework, know slope history, investigate, etc. to make sure you are not in a thinner zone or somewhere that has previously slid.
Photo shows the largest wind slab we were able to provoke, up to 1' deep and 150' wide.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate