Observation: Upper Weber Canyon

Observation Date
3/6/2019
Observer Name
Kikkert
Region
Uintas » Upper Weber Canyon
Location Name or Route
Upper Weber Canyon/Chalk Creek
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Winds were a bit lighter than expected for much of the day, teens to 20s. Snowfall filled back in around noon, with a period of moderate snowfall until about 3pm. 2-3" of accumulation.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
4"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
2-3" overnight and another 2-3" during the day. Medium density above 8,500'.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Lower amounts of snow than forecasted and lower wind speeds than forecasted. Result was that loading (via new snowfall and wind transport) was not enough to stress the snowpack too much in most locations. The exception was repeater areas where a couple naturals pulled out early in the morning.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Drifting was not too bad, but there are shallow drifts sitting on a layer of lighter density snow with some near surface facets mixed in. In addition, since the new snow is a bit denser, wind slabs, once initiated, were breaking a bit wider than expected. With additional loading tonight/tomorrow, expect these to be a bit deeper and more connected tomorrow.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
So far not enough snow to overload old weak layers in most areas (the exception being steep rocky repeaters). Thinking we will need over an inch of water to see much activity on the older layers.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable