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Observation: Uintas

Observation Date
12/1/2019
Observer Name
Michael Janulaitis
Region
Uintas
Location Name or Route
Weber Canyon Drainage
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Southeast
Wind Speed
Light
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
I observed the aftermath of a a large collapse that dinner plated a four acre area. The snow pack failed below the melt freeze on the basal facets on the ground, however; the terrain at 30 - 32 degrees did not have the angle for the slab to run on the ground.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
My stability test was ECT 12 BRK Q3 on the inch thick facets above the melt freeze however my shovel shear pulled the whole block out cleanly on the facets.
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
10,000'
Slope Angle
20°
Comments
I got up high today to see what we have. My stability tests showed off a cohesive slab above facets that lie on top of a stout melt freeze which my ECT test string could not cut. My observation was a 4 acre area that collapsed on the ground below the melt/freeze layer and moved about 2 inches. This occurred in 30 to 32 degree terrain. I continued to experience widespread collapsing.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable