Observation: Weber Canyon

Observation Date
3/13/2022
Observer Name
PDiegel, Brackelsberg, Mitzel
Region
Uintas » Weber Canyon
Location Name or Route
Upper Weber canyon
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Experienced near-continuous cracking and collapsing from near the river to 9700 ft. Gusty wind with lots of wind-transported snow and periodic heavy snowfall.The plan for the day was to ski an open 30-34 deg bowl but we bailed on that plan after seeing many blaring signs of severe instability and retreated through the thick woods we ascended. Visibility was too poor to tell positively if there was natural activity in the more open terrain.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
9,700'
Comments
Tried unsuccessfully to isolate quick columns - they consistently failed after cutting 1 1/2 of the 4 sides. Did 2 ECTs at 9700 ft NE-facing - the first failed before complete isolation and the 2nd failed at 1 tap. (see video https://youtu.be/CMZye8dxJPg)
Video
Today's Observed Danger Rating
High
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
High
Coordinates