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Observation: Uintas

Observation Date
1/18/2025
Observer Name
Paradis / Caplis
Region
Uintas
Location Name or Route
Weber Canyon
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Snow in the morning eventually gave way to clearing skies and sun. It was quite cold and it was one of those days better to keep moving. Previous wind loading created some drifting along ridges but not bad otherwise.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
10"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Cold temps made for good skiing, with nice low density powder. It seemed like there was more new snow than maybe was forecast. There were a couple spots on lower elevation west facing slopes where we noticed a slight sun crust but this was not widespread where we skied.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
We observed one collapse at around 10,000' which was probably a thin spot. New snow was checked because there was a little more than expected but it was pretty low density so not much water weight. Poor snowpack structure was checked because weak facets are still present below a strengthening slab. Snow depths are increasing helping to insulate the facets but still too close for comfort.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
As noted above, depths are increasing but it seems like it would be possible to trigger an avalanche from a thin spot in the snow pack. Spatial variability seems like a problem now. The pit location had almost a meter of snow above the facets but there were still places where rocks were near the surface, or places where your pole would drop into weaker snow while going uphill. These thinner spots were of concern to me.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
In areas travelled there was some new snow and evidence of drifting along the ridges but it wasn't too bad due to limited water weight.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
9,900'
Slope Angle
20°
Comments
Snowpit tests are likely not all that useful now with about 1m of snow above facets.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Snow Pilot URL
https://snowpilot.org/node/70265