UDOT PLANNED AVALANCHE CLOSURES!!
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Observation: Moab

Observation Date
12/20/2015
Observer Name
Matt Van Scoyoc
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
Pinto Glades & Chair 11
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Light to moderate winds and snow fall until 1 PM.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
4"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Faceted Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
The new snow refresh the snowpack quite nicely. Good skiing was found in protected areas.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Ski pole probing showed the persistence slab is still there on all aspects. Wind loaded pockets were evident at upper elevations and exposed areas.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger

Forecaster's note: I upgraded observer's danger rating for following day to considerable based on forecasted new snow and wind.

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