Observation: Weber Canyon

Observation Date
1/27/2020
Observer Name
Allie Fredbo, Craig Gordon
Region
Uintas » Upper Weber Canyon » Weber Canyon
Location Name or Route
Upper Weber Canyon
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Quick hitting storm delivers 6" of snow along with strong west-northwest winds, rapidly changing the avy hazard.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
6"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Excellent creamy snow in wind sheltered zones.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
Wind and snow instantly changed the avy conditions this morning, especially in the wind zone.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Northwest winds that ramped up overnight, continued throughout the day. Freshly wind drifted snow avalanche concerns were evident throughout our upper elevations today. Newly developed cornice on SE facing slopes was observed on exposed ridge tops. Isolated, shallow wind slabs were possible to trigger remotely. Remaining small and manageable ranging from 6-8" in depth. SE slopes continued to actively load throughout the day with sustained NW winds and freshly deposited snow available for transport.
Comments
A generally great day of riding in wind sheltered mid elevation southeast facing terrain, our fresh snow was lively and responsive under our skis. We dug a snowpit on a SE slope at 9300ft, and observed a generally strong and stable structure. HS 140, multiple crusts were noted midpack but without propagation in our ECT tests. Riding conditions on WSW aspects were wind affected and a supportable crust that formed from a brief bit of high pressure last week made riding conditions a bit less enjoyable.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable