Observation: Valhalla 2/8/2012

Observer Name:

Max Forgensi

Observation Date:

02/08/2012

Region:

Moab
Mann's Peak
Tomasaki Bowl
Valhalla

Weather

Sky:

Overcast

Precipitation:

Light Snowfall

Wind Direction:

Southwest

Wind Speed:

Light

Weather Comments:

Another warm day. Blustery near tree line

Snow Characteristics

Snow Surface Conditions:

Powder

Melt-Freeze Crust

Snow Characteristic Comments:

Variable conditions on southerly/westerly/northwesterly aspects dependent on elevation, slope angle and shading. Very ski friendly. One more day and the conditions will be challenging.

Red Flags

Recent Avalanches

Cracking

Collapsing

Red Flag Comments:

Avalanche activity was evident from last nights wind event on numerous aspects. The largest avalanche occurred on the North Face of Mt Mellinthin SS-N-R3-D2-Wind Increased. Mt Tomasaki had a natural release ATL on a NW aspect, Haystack ridge was covered in loose sluffs on its east aspect.

Very tender snow pack. Widespread and large whoomphing and shooting cracks on lower angled terrain.

Primary Concern

Primary Concern:

Wind Slabs

Probability:

Considerable

Aspect:

North

Northeast

East

Northwest

Elevation:

High

Mid

Trend:

More Dangerous

Primary Concern Comments:

More wind, snow available for transport and new snow in the forecast. Will this be the wind/snow event to tip the scale to a widespread natural avalanche cycle? Today's tour confirmed that there is a devil wearing a soft blanket of white.

Weak layer interfaces are located where they can and will be reactive to a skier's weight.

snow_profile_location:

Comments - Photos - Videos (group 1)

Video 1:

Observed Danger Rating:

Considerable

Forecast Danger Rating:

Considerable