UDOT PLANNED AVALANCHE CLOSURES!!
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Observation: Moab

Observation Date
2/8/2014
Observer Name
Brian Sparks
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
Coyote Chute
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
4"
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
10,300'
Slope Angle
33°
Comments
There were 2 collapses while I was traversing into the slop, so the stability test results are probably not accurate. I assume that the snow pack is less stable than the CT and ECT results indicate. Facets from the ground to 85 cm seem to be bonding and strengthening. At 85 cm there is a weak crust with about 5 cm of very loose facets above it. When I exposed the pit wall, the facets in this layer fell out of the wall. The new snow from the last week and a half is sitting on top of this week facet layer. About 40 cm of the storm snow is bonding and sintering with about 20 cm of powder on top. CT and ECT tests resulted with Q1 shear on top of the crust with collapsing in the facets above the crust. The facets below the crust show no instability.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates