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Observation: Moab

Observation Date
1/5/2017
Observer Name
Murray
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
Laurel Highway / North Woods
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Warm temperature at trail-head (10am) and early part of tour - Mid 20's / Snowing Lightly - Graupel & Needles. Snow continued throughout the day with large flakes at times, but generally dense snowfall during the day. Very cloudy/foggy with low visibility. Winds direction Variable and generally out of the west, but shifting NW at times. Wind speed also variable from almost calm at times to 20-30 MPH. Temperature slightly cooler at the end of the tour. Snowfall was picking up as we left trail-head.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
4"
New Snow Density
High
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
Difficult to determine total new snow depth due to wind during the previous night and during the day. Some locations showed 1-2inches, drifted areas were 6-8 inches. We didn't get into the higher alpine terrain but there was ample evidence of wind loading in exposed areas during the tour. Wind loaded areas were thick and dense. No signs of cracking or settling in wind loaded areas. Skiing in sheltered trees was quite good.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
Potential Sensitive Wind Slabs at higher elevations on steep slopes could result in avalanche or injury due to being swept over cliffs/terrain.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Potential Sensitive Wind Slabs at higher elevations on steep slopes could result in avalanche or injury due to being swept over cliffs/terrain.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Increasing snowfall overnight could create sensitive/unstable slab avalanche potential if snowfall amount is heavy.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates