Observer Name
Ament, Jackson
Observation Date
Sunday, March 14, 2021
Avalanche Date
Sunday, March 14, 2021
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
North La Sal group
Elevation
8,700'
Aspect
North
Trigger
Natural
Depth
10"
Width
150'
Comments
North end of La Sal loop road was as treacherous as I have ever seen it. We chose to stop when we were pushing 16+" of unplowed snow on the road.
During a low angle tour, we observed one natural release that appeared to have run in the new, more dense snow that had fallen since Friday 3/12. The med-high density new snow ran about 100 ft before stopping on lower angle terrain. Slope angle was an estimated 40+ degrees.
This was a clear message to us that the current high danger rating was absolutely warranted, and we chose not proceed any further up the slope.
All of this new snow is great for the snowpack, but in all honesty the snow was very dense and slow for downhill skiing at this location. It will be great for extending our spring season, though!
On a related note, if you ever have a chance to thank a Grand County snowplow driver, even with a wave, please do it. When the roads are like this you realize how completely essential their hard work is to keeping us up in the high snow. Thanks!
