Observation: Julies Glade 2/6/2012

Observer Name:

Max Forgensi

Region:

Moab
Laurel Highway
Julies Glade

Observation Date:

02/06/2012

Weather

Sky:

Overcast

Precipitation:

Moderate Snowfall

Wind Speed:

Calm

Weather Comments:

La Sal Mountains have been under a cloud for over 5 days straight. Since Thursday, February 2nd, 22 cm of snow has fallen at the Gold Basin study plot. 12 cm over the weekend and more falling.

Skiing conditions are superb...no winds since Friday's event, which deposited wind slabs on southerly aspects at and above treeline. Plenty of snow to transports still.

It is time to ski in low angled terrain before the next wind event. Once the skies lift, perhaps we'll see some avalanche activity to protect approaches to the alpine or even give us some decent turns.

Snow Characteristics

New Snow Depth:

New Snow Density:

Low

Snow Surface Conditions:

Powder

Snow Characteristic Comments:

The avalanche dragons are in a gestation period. The biggest danger currently will be with buried wind slabs and with persistent slabs in avalanche terrain. There will be a big hatching once the wind kicks up. Might as well enjoy the powder before the sun and wind has their way with it. I would stay to lower angled terrain below 32 degrees until we can see what happened over the last 5 days.

Remember, once the wind kicks up...the danger will increase. Stay tuned.

Red Flags

Heavy Snowfall

Red Flag Comments:

Heavy snowfall for southeast Utah

snow_profile_location:

Comments - Photos - Videos (group 1)

Video 1:

Observed Danger Rating:

Considerable

Forecast Danger Rating:

Considerable