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Observation: Weber Canyon

Observation Date
1/10/2020
Observer Name
Craig Gordon
Region
Uintas » Upper Weber Canyon » Weber Canyon
Location Name or Route
1000 Peaks Environs
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Morning winds subsided giving way to mostly calm winds and very cold temps.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
About 12" of cold, creamy, right-side-up snow
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Cracking
Red Flags Comments
Strong winds overnight created sensitive soft slabs and substantial cornice growth.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Easy to observe from a distance as you make your trip plan... winds have been blowing from the left (windward) and loading slopes on the right (leeward)
And of course, re-evaluating as you go along and spotcasting throughout the day can help you make solid decisions before blindly center-punching a slope.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #2 Comments
Subtle cracking and collapsing I experienced yesterday on an east facing slope.
A quick pit reveals our cust/facet combo
And a snowpit stability test clearly illustrates reactivity
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate