UDOT PLANNED AVALANCHE CLOSURES!!

Observation: Moab

Observation Date
1/27/2013
Observer Name
ryan Schantzenbach
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
North Woods, La Sal Mnts
Weather
Sky
Broken
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
South
Wind Speed
Strong
Weather Comments
Overcast fast moving clouds, high ridgeline winds, major wind transport, relatively warm, low thirties, winds 20 - 30 mph, gusting higher. calm below treeline in trees
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
12"
New Snow Density
High
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
Very heavy snow wind loaded in open meadows , small open trees like julies held deep thick powder, slabs forming, but protected from transport. winds slabs will be a factor next few days.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Collapsing
Rapid Warming
Red Flags Comments
Heard two large collapses in gold basin .. Natural activity.. heavy dense snow.. wind load pockets... warm temps. high winds
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow