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Observation: Upper Weber Canyon

Observation Date
12/27/2021
Observer Name
Craig Gordon
Region
Uintas » Upper Weber Canyon
Location Name or Route
Upper Weber Canyon
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Strong
Weather Comments
Winds were all over the place and had no shortage of snow available to transport.... definitely effecting the avy hazard
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Out of the wind, soft,creamy snow is found
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Winds were screaming at all elevations, transporting a respectable amount of snow onto leeward slopes, especially in mid and upper elevation terrain.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Feels like we are at a tipping point with all the recent snow, but especially water weight. In the past seven days snow depths in upper elevation terrain (Chalk Creek/Trial Lake) have nearly doubled and water totals are quite substantial. Chalk Creek at 3.2" and Trial Lake getting firehosed with 5.0" SWE... a colossal amount of water weight!
Avalanche Problem #2
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
A snapshot of Windy Peak weather station showing relentless south and southwest winds. This was the timeline from when I issued my morning forecast at 04:00 ish through my time out on the snow. It was rugged at upper elevations.
Comments
My phone died before I had the chance to grab any pictures or capture video :(
Today's Observed Danger Rating
High
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
High