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Observation: Moab

Observation Date
1/28/2018
Observer Name
Chris Bolos
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
Julie's Glade
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
It was a beautiful sunny day with calm winds below treeline, although I did see blowing snow on the ridge to Pre Laurel Peak. Temperatures were in the high 30's.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
5"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
3 to 6 inches of new snow fell early Friday morning. On sunny SW slopes the new snow appeared to be bonding well to the existing snowpack.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
I skied up from the meadow at the end of the Gold Basin Road into the trees and found minor collapsing and cracking in several spots. As I got higher up, the angle steepened and the collapsing was more widespread.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
I dug a pit near the bottom of Julie's where the run cuts right into the trees. Slope angle was 26*. Snow depth was around 45cm to 50cm. There were some weak layers mid pack, and the basal facets were alive and well, unfortunately. I did a CT with failure at the ground facets at CT25. I ventured out onto the slope about 15 feet from the pit and experienced a pretty widespread collapse.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
I know there is a wind slab at higher elevations but did not encounter it because I was at lower elevations that are wind sheltered and below treeline.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Southwest
Elevation
10,400'
Slope Angle
26°
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate