UDOT PLANNED AVALANCHE CLOSURES!!
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Observation: Moab

Observation Date
1/11/2015
Observer Name
Will Kelley
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
Horse Creek and Pinto Glades
Weather
Sky
Scattered
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Cooling trend through out the day.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
3'
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Melt-Freeze Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Shallow. Thin crust on top of depth hoar. Anchored by trees and rocks if it was deeper would pose a serious risk. Snow pack over large areas is disconnected due to wind drift. Warmer temps have not increased bonding.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
While the wind loads and poor snow pack structure ( 5" on a 2-4" crust beneath sugar) seem ghastly the depth is just not enough to make it terrifying. Poked our way into avy terrain with out a single collapse, or evidence of recent activity. This on both NE and SW aspects. Would still be wary of steep NE facing terrain.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
N, NE, aspects...be wary of shallow wind slab features where rocks, stumps and convex features capture wind blown snow.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
10,900'
Slope Angle
32°
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate