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Observation: Moab

Observation Date
1/24/2020
Observer Name
Kennard
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
Laurel Ridge
Weather
Sky
Scattered
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Today was a warm mild day up above the inversion with temps in the mid 20's and winds light to non existent out of the southwest. The day started with some scattered clouds over the mountains, but by the time I was headed down the road it was mostly overcast over the peaks.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
The snow that fell on Wednesday gave a much needed refresh to the mountains. Lower elevation slopes that face south and don't get any shelter from trees had a layer of melt feeze crust from earlier in the week. I noticed some 5-10mm surface hoar on sheltered north facing slopes down below tree line. Above treeline I saw evidence of wind loading on the north facing slopes of the high peaks with every ridge looking rather wind effected. I found great settled powder skiing in the north woods as well as in some sheltered southwest facing trees.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
The only avalanche activity I noticed in my tour today was a slide in Telegold that looks like it released along the rocks at the same spot it let loose last storm or shortly after. The lee side of the wind blasted ridges were wind loaded. I dug a pit on a northeast facing slope and found some small faceted crystals near the ground that were not reactive.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
I saw plenty of wind slabs throughout Gold Basin that may or may not be sitting on top of previous surface facets that formed during our January dry spell. See Dave Garcia's observation from yesterday for more details.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
Our fairly dry January has left us with some weak snow throughout the snowpack. Steeper terrain should be approached with caution and careful assessment.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
11,000'
Slope Angle
25°
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate