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Observation: Weber Canyon

Observation Date
1/7/2023
Observer Name
Brackelsberg / P. Diegel
Region
Uintas » Weber Canyon
Location Name or Route
Weber Canyon
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Speed
Calm
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
North aspects had deep new snow making trailbreaking a significant effort. the northeast aspect we skied had a little more body and was a bit more supportable and provided excellent riding conditions. Even though the sun came out for a brief period, the snow remained cold and dry.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
The only red flag observed was the poor snowpack structure.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
We were unable to get any snowpit stability test results. The persistent weak layer was buried 121 cm down.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
9,800'
Comments
While our snow stability tests did not show any results for a compression test or extended column test, it did show that we have a significant slab sitting on weak snow. The compression test column was easy to pull out as a consolidated slab column down to the faceted snow on the bottom 50cm of the snowpack. See photo 1.
After no extended column test results, when we pulled the column out, we had clean shears between the fist to 4 finger layers and 4 finger to 1 finger layer. I am unsure if this is poor bonding of the various storm snows or if there was a period of surface or near surface faceting between storms.
We treated this as a red flag of poor snowpack structure with a potential of creating an avalanche on a steeper slope. We were also very untrusting of the bottom 50cm of facets. The area we road has large rocks and we felt it would be possible to trigger an avalanche if we found a shallow pocket of snow.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates