Observation Date
1/1/2015
Observer Name
Will Kelley
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
Funnel and Northwoods
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Obvious signs of moderate (37mph gusts) wind transport of snow over previous days tracks into the funnel, top of Northwoods at sled blown hard.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
4"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
While this latest storm did not deliver the amounts forecasted it did add moisture to the snow pack and weight. Exposed areas wind packed, or drifted powder. In protected areas as the North Woods, the snow was heavier, more settled, and hazards such as downed trees were more apparent than the previous day.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
While inspecting the top of the Funnel noted large collapse in snow pack structure due to moderate winds transporting snow across the slope rather than off it as would happen with higher winds. Tracks from previous day were buried. I think with the added water weight of this most recent storm as little as it was, and the winds out of the SW, was enough to change the character of the snow pack from the previous day.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Heavy snow on top of lighter snow on top of an as of yet strong enough slab layer which rests over a rather deep layer of facets. Over time with settlement and no new storm or wind events I see the danger decreasing.
Snow Profile
Aspect
South
Elevation
11,300'
Slope Angle
30°
Comments
While the winds over night were not gale force and blowing snow off the mountains, it was strong enough to move it and add stress to the snow pack in areas were it previously was not an issue. I suspect as the pack adjusts to the weight and this less than expected amount of heavier snow settles and compacts the low density snow underneath that a safe balance will again return to our lower angle mid-alpine terrain.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
