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Observation: Moab

Observation Date
1/7/2017
Observer Name
R. Kennard
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
Laurel Ridge
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
It was single digits and overcast in the parking lot this morning. The grey skies continued for the rest of the day and the winds started to pick up around 10:00. By the time we got to tree line on Laurel Ridge we decided to turn around and ski the trees because of the constant wind and blowing snow. By 3:00 it looked like it was snowing in gold basin as we were headed down the mountain.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
It felt like the snow that fell during the last storm cycle came down relatively dense and heavy. We were only getting 3" to 4" inches of ski penetration, which made for some nice creamy turns.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
There was a good amount of snow blowing around today above tree line. All the ridges are back to their scoured rocky state and any thing on the lee side of the ridges has been loaded with the blowing snow.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
With the steady winds from the southwest today and the winds that occurred during the last storm cycle I would expect to find some decent wind slabs on the lee side of ridges and terrain features.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate