Observation: Upper Weber Canyon

Observation Date
3/31/2024
Observer Name
Craig Gordon
Region
Uintas » Upper Weber Canyon
Location Name or Route
Upper Weber Canyon
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Strong
Weather Comments
Wild fluctuations in weather... from partly cloudy skies and light snow to absolute dumpage and milk jug viz... calm winds to swirling, nuking gusts even in mid elevation terrain.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
10"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Spring storms often collide with cold air hovering over the western Uintas and that combo can really light up the eastern front. In fact, the Easter weather system stormed down court, took advantage of the opposing teams weak defensive strategy, and delivered a solid dose of March Madness! Snow surface stayed cold in upper elevation terrain that was obscured by clouds, but with just a slight parting of clouds, mid and lower elevation, south facing slopes took on heat.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
The morning brought rapidly changing conditions in the span of less than hour with strong winds whipping up a round of fresh drifts. Averaging a foot deep and 75'-100' wide, I found very tender and hyper reactive soft slabs in mid and upper elevation, leeward terrain, particularly slopes with an easterly component to its aspect.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable