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Observation: Weber Canyon

Observation Date
1/28/2024
Observer Name
Paradis / Caplis
Region
Uintas » Weber Canyon
Location Name or Route
Weber Canyon
Weather
Sky
Clear
Weather Comments
Warming, particularly by about noon snow was starting to get damp. Snow was rapidly melting on trees.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
4"
New Snow Density
High
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Warming temperatures made for sticky snow both downhill and uphill. It seemed odd to get clumpy snow sticking to climbing skins in January. Otherwise, skiing was good with a few inches of new snow on a supportable base. Rollerballs easy to initiate. Very slight crust on west aspects in the morning that will likely be more widespread tomorrow.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Rapid Warming
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Primary concern is poor snowpack structure. In this area, December facets were less than 1 meter from surface and capped by a hard slab. Triggering this would result in a significant, destructive avalanche. Facets were still loose and not gaining strength. In the afternoon, warming could have been more of a concern on south and west aspects.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Relatively thin snowpack at this elevation with ample basal facets produced clean propagation in snowpit tests. We stayed on slopes of about 25 degrees but this snow structure would have likely been problematic in steeper rocky areas.
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
8,700'
Slope Angle
24°
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates