Observation: Moab 2/2/2012

Observer Name:

Max Forgensi

Region:

Moab

Observation Date:

02/02/2012

Weather

Sky:

Overcast

Precipitation:

Moderate Snowfall

Wind Speed:

Calm

Weather Comments:

10 cm of snow up til 1400. 6% blower powder. Still under overcast skies and snowing stellar bombers.

Snow Characteristics

New Snow Depth:

New Snow Density:

Low

Snow Surface Conditions:

Powder

Snow Characteristic Comments:

Great skiing conditions!

Red Flags

Red Flag Comments:

Mother Nature is not really giving any red-flag warnings. Looking into the snow, there are persistent and reactive slabs to content with.

Primary Concern

Primary Concern:

Persistent Slabs

Probability:

Considerable

Aspect:

North

Northeast

East

Southeast

West

Northwest

Elevation:

Mid

Low

Trend:

More Dangerous

Primary Concern Comments:

Persistent slab conditions are present on many aspects, at and below treeline. The difficulty is: It is a trap door type of game out there. 20 people may ski a slope and not hit the sweet spot. The structure and energy supports slab avlanches (human triggered)

If we get wind soon, we will have another layer on top of an upside down cake.

snow_profile_location:

Comments - Photos - Videos (group 1)

Video 1:

Comments - Photos - Videos (group 2)

My first posted video. I would like to add that it was also a Quality 1 (sudden planar) shear at a CTM12 x2. Our Extended column test had results of ECTP 23 Q1 SP. Watch yourself out there!