Observation Date
2/4/2014
Observer Name
Will kelley
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
North Woods
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Cold, light density snow falling at a rapid rate. Wind speeds picking up at and above tree line.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
16"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
12-14 inches in open areas, however in protected N. facing terrain the snow was easily double, a solid two feet, almost to much to ski. Face shots and technique were the winning combo for solid turns!
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Considering the the depth hoar and sun crusts, and other varieties of crappy layers this huge amount of snow is sitting on as well as the wind loading at higher elevations be wary of anything outside of the standard North Woods run in the La Sals. We currently have all the ingredients for large and fatal avalanches. Some collapsing noted, snow was so light you could stir it with your pole, and it would still be moving after you removed it. In the woods ski with a buddy and stay close to each other as falling and becoming trapped in the snow and or fallen trees or branches is a real possibility. It's almost too deep, speed and oddly caution are your friends.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Lots of it. Super deep in protected areas, and I can't even imagine the slab formation happening.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem #2 Comments
Southern Aspects were on the verge of corn. Now they are frozen with a ton of snow on them....a great bed surface, be aware and conservative, give places like Gold Miners some time. Runs like these steepen towards the bottom, so watch out.
Comments
More is coming, and it seems to be tapering off at the moment with just trace accumulation for today. Winter is back with gusto here in the La Sal Mountains. Reign it in for the time being, it will be good for awhile and with some settlement more options will present themselves to the observant skier or snowboarder.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates
