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Observation: Moab

Observation Date
3/4/2020
Observer Name
Kennard
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
Laurel Ridge
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
It was a bluebird day up in the mountains today with temps in the mid 30's above treeline and low 40's lower down. The moderate breeze made it feel a little chillier than it was, but the suns affect on the snow was obvious.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
It's not over yet! although the sun and wind have had there way with snow surface since our surprise 10" It was easy to find some nice creamy powder in north facing sheltered areas that have not seen the sun or the wind. The snow above treeline was worked over by the wind providing for less than ideal conditions and it was easy to spot and abundance of wind loaded slopes in the high bowls. I also found an abundance of melt freeze crust ranging from 2mm to 6mm. The south half of the compass appears to be in a transitional state right now and does not have a lot to offer in terms of good ski conditions.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
At a time when our snow pack is typically gaining strength it appears to be quite weak right now. Our 2 months of predominately dry weather gave the snow pack ample time to facet and rot. The snow that fell at the beginning of the week was not the dry powder we are use to, and because of this we now have a cohesive slab sitting on top of a pile of faceted garbage. Although I did not experience any cracking or collapsing while I was out I did observe numerous small avalanches that ran during the storm as well as wind loading in the upper bowls.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Lots of wind slabs out there that need some time to settle out. triggering one of these could step down into the old faceted snow.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
we currently have a snow pack of facets with creamy powder on top on the north half of the compass. Lets hope these spring temps can help us out a little in the next couple weeks.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate