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Observation: Upper Weber Canyon

Observation Date
12/11/2016
Observer Name
Mark Staples
Region
Uintas » Upper Weber Canyon
Location Name or Route
Upper Weber Canyon
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Red Flags Comments
We never experienced any collapsing or cracking which surprised me. However the recent heavy load is snow is enough of a red flag to avoid avalanche terrain.
Snow Profile
Aspect
East
Elevation
9,500'
Comments

Recent snow has really opened up the Uinta Mountains for riding. Hitting rocks and stumps is still a major hazard but manageable now. This weekend's snow will start forming a great base to support future storms. Total snowpack depth in Upper Weber Canyon above 9000 feet was just over 3 feet (1 meter).

The weakest layer in the snowpack is the old snow surface about 8 inches off the ground. We consistently got ECTP's with scores of 13 to 15. However, we did not experience any collapsing or cracking which surprised me.

In the photo below, you can see the weak layer near the ground.

Video

Lots of fun to be had without getting into avalanche terrain. Just watch out for those open creeks, rocks, and stumps.

Today's Observed Danger Rating
High
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable