Quick report

Observation: Lower Weber Drainage

Michael JanulaitisUintas
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Quick report

Aspect
Northwest
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall, Wind Loading, Poor Snowpack Structure
Elevation
3231 m
Slope Angle
20°

I got pretty high this afternoon and the first thing I did was dig on a NW aspect at 10.6k. My stability test showed all of the snow we received since our long high and dry spell collapse with propagation across the column with only 13 taps 60 cm below the surface on the buried NSFs. I was only in 20 degree terrain so the block didn't slide off on its own but with a little pull with my shovel it fell out. This was a clear sign to me to keep it safe and stay in lower angle trees where the snow was excellent. As far as the weather goes, the wind was initially from the NW but while the front pushed through it switched to the SW and persistent heavy snow followed. Lots of wind all over the place moving snow around and finally producing much larger cornices.