UDOT PLANNED AVALANCHE CLOSURES!!
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Observation: La Sal Mountains

Observation Date
12/6/2015
Observer Name
Ed Grote
Region
Moab » La Sal Mountains
Location Name or Route
Exxon's Folly
Weather
Sky
Scattered
Weather Comments
High clouds, mostly sunny
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Faceted Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Avalanche debris with faceted snow in places where there was no debris
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
persistent slab over faceted snow in places unaffected by avalanche debris
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
10,600'
Slope Angle
25°
There were small pockets of wind-loaded snow within the steep chutes, but most the snow from the last 2 storms had slid off. Debris from the sluffing from the most recent storm (11/30/15) was evident. The danger level of moderate was probably correct for the north-facing wind-loaded areas and will remain so. However, remote triggering of those pockets from below is unlikely due to lack of connections.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate