Avalanche: Noriega Face

Observer Name
Tim Matthews
Observation Date
Friday, December 16, 2022
Avalanche Date
Tuesday, December 13, 2022
Region
Moab » Gold Basin » Noriega Face
Location Name or Route
Noriega's Face
Elevation
10,400'
Aspect
North
Slope Angle
38°
Trigger
Natural
Avalanche Type
Soft Slab
Avalanche Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Weak Layer
Facets
Depth
2'
Width
150'
Vertical
600'
Comments
All sizes are estimated as well as occurrence date and time. Judging by the eroded crown and hard to see debris this avalanche happened during the storm on Tuesday evening. Looks to have been roughly 2.5 feet deep failing on our PWL problem. Noriega's Face is a north facing steep and rocky, typically shallow snowpack with a usually wind loaded starting zone. The type of terrain we should all be currently avoiding.
Coordinates