UDOT PLANNED AVALANCHE CLOSURES!!
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Observation: Moab

Observation Date
2/28/2014
Observer Name
Trenbeath
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
Laurel Ridge-Goldminers-out Gold Basin
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Occasional light snow showers, winds moderate and gusty along ridge tops, pretety quiet down low.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
5"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

5" at .6 total snowfall from Thursday.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Cracking
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Most wind loading confined to upper elevation ridge crests. New cornice development, and some cracking.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #1 Comments

Stiff wind slabs up to 18" deep have developed along N-NE-E facing ridge crests. Could only get them to crack. Problem to increase with forecasted wind and snow.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Problem #2 Comments

Weak snow pack still persists, though many areas that once had a persistent slab problem have been scoured out. Areas of prime concern are steep, rocky, northerly aspects at, or just below tree line.

Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable