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Observation: Laurel Highway

Observation Date
12/12/2013
Observer Name
Trenbeath
Region
Moab » Laurel Highway
Location Name or Route
Coyote Chute
Weather
Sky
Clear
Weather Comments
Quite balmy out after the past couple weeks. Temps near 20 at 11,000'. No wind.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments

Mixed bag after the last few days of sun and NW winds earlier in the week. First day that sun affected southerly aspects, will be crusted tomorrow. Wind affected snow above tree line, Settled powder below and in sheltered areas.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Snow is very weak with depth hoar at ground and mid level facets. Persistent slab still prevalent and now the main player with added weight of recent slabs.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Problem #1 Comments

With the wind slabs that formed over the weekend gaining strength, persistent slab has again become the main player. Stability tests showed recent slabs now bonding to the old snow surface, and in effect, becoming part of the persistent slab with sheer failure occurring at mid level facets forming at the bottom of persistent slab above a weak crust. Slab cold break below crust into depth hoar above the ground,

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments

Wind slabs formed over the last weekend are showing signs of bonding, but buried surface hoar/facets still exist at the old snow interface. Still possible to trigger one of these newer wind slabs in steep, upper elevation terrain on NW-E aspects. New slabs have strong potential to step down into persistent slab.

Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
11,000'
Slope Angle
25°
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates