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Observation: Upper Weber Canyon

Observation Date
1/13/2022
Observer Name
jg
Region
Uintas » Upper Weber Canyon
Location Name or Route
Upper Weber Canyon
Weather
Sky
Broken
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
SSW winds started to pick up around noon but not moving snow in the area we traveled. Biggest weather effect on the snow were the temps, with a light refreeze overnight and temps at 9K in the mid forties and 10K temps in the mid thirties during the day.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Faceted Loose
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Cold, clear temps over the last few days have created large surface hoar at lower elevations and in terrain sinks. Near surface and surface faceting were widespread through the terrain we traveled on the polar aspects. Melt freeze crusts were found on solar aspects. Greenhousing made the snow surface very damp below about 8500 ft. regardless of aspect.
Very supportable pack with a bit of cream on top.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
10,200'
Slope Angle
28°
Comments
We found stable snow today except for some roller balls on steeper slopes where snow was dropping from the trees. Shallow and benign. There was widespread weakening of the surface snow but I think today's warm temps have knocked that back a bit. The snow storms from just before Christmas until just after the NewYear laid down a strong, cohesive slab. The early season snow that is now our persistent weak layer is buried over 4 feet down in the pack and gaining strength, although still only fist hard where we were. I did note the grains were both rounding and chaining together.
Forecast seems spot on with a moderate danger on slopes at and above treeline, especially in rocky terrain facing N-NE-E but overall a mostly low danger.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates