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Observation: Moab

Observation Date
12/22/2016
Observer Name
Ryan Cutter
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
Ryan Cutter
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
South
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Storm day with low clouds, light snowfall, temps around 25 and winds in the 20 to 30 mph range.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
1"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
1 to 2" of low to medium density snow had fallen by 2pm. At the higher exposed elevations the wind was transporting the new snow leaving a scoured wind crust. Treed areas provided nice riding conditions with a surfy dense snow surface.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Wind slab on top of weak layer
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate