Obs-Snow Profile: Moab 12/15/2011

Observer Name:

Pat L

Observation Date:

12/15/2011

Region:

Moab

Location or Route:

Abajos- Buckboard Glades

Weather

Sky:

Overcast

Precipitation:

Light Snowfall

Weather Comments:

The sun was out for only the first hour of my tour. At about 11:30, a huge fog cloud enveloped the high peaks down into North Creek. By the time I exited, small sized graupel was falling.

Snow Characteristics

New Snow Depth:

22"

New Snow Density:

Low

Snow Surface Conditions:

Powder

Faceted Loose

Snow Characteristic Comments:

Not much wind from this last storm. At the trailhead there was extensive SH. The SH was not widespread as I made my way up into the Aspen glades above North Creek.

Red Flags

Recent Avalanches

Heavy Snowfall

Cracking

Collapsing

Red Flag Comments:

The several settlements that I experienced today were very loud and traveled a distance!!! The natural avalanche above the old ski area was an obvious clue about the snowpack instability. I heard several snowmobilers today. They were traveling up North Creek and along the Hart draw road. I'm very concerned about the Avi paths above the North Creek road that the snowmobilers travel along.

Elevation:

10000'

Aspect:

Northeast

Slope Angle: