Observation: Moab

Observation Date
2/19/2020
Observer Name
Garcia/Kennard
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
Julie's Backside, Coyote
Weather
Sky
Scattered
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Light
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Faceted Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
We skied today primarily on cold north aspects on steep slopes 35 - 40 degrees. Skiing was a mix of wind crust, wind buff, nice recrystalized, and deep loose facets. At times we were wallowing in facets. In places the snow was so unsupportive ski pen would go deep and hit rocks and/or logs. Super weak snow out there on the shaded northerlies right now.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Normal Caution
Problem #1 Comments
Total mixed bag out there. Today's biggest hazard was skier triggered sluffs. On steep north facing slopes sluffs were running long and deep. These sluffs were definitely packing enough punch to knock you off your feet if you didn't get out of the way. We skied three runs between Coyote and Julie's backside and were triggering sluffs on each run. You'll find conditions like this below treeline and at treeline on shady slopes. Surface snow is super weak right now. Skiing in the deep facets is tricky, but fun!
Sluffs ran full track on slopes like the one pictured here. The last photo is a log jam directly across the crux of Coyote chute right at the cliff band. Just a heads up for anyone that might be jumping in there.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low
Coordinates