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Observation: Moab

Observation Date
12/25/2021
Observer Name
Dave Garcia
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
Laurel Highway
Weather
Sky
Scattered
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Moderate winds on ridge tops, light in the valley bottoms. Sun was in and out of scattered clouds.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
5"
New Snow Density
High
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
5 inches of new snow. The snow came in heavy and wind driven with plenty of rime. The snow was very supportable, sort of had a "styrofoam" feel. In open areas the new snow was slightly upside down and grabby. In the trees it was less upside down, it was dense, supportable, surfy, and fun.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
From the laurel highway I had good views of the northeast faces of Tuk and Tuk No. They appeared pillowy and freshly loaded by the new wind and snow. During the day there was plenty of wind, but snow was not moving around. The new snow was dense and seemed glued to the mountain. One thing to note is that the surface snow on shady aspects was very loose and unconsolidated before this storm. Nate and I noticed this on Wednesday. This old, weak surface snow could act as a weak layer beneath fresh wind deposits.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
I don't think we received enough of a load to over stress the buried October facets. The snowtel is showing 0.7 inches of water. I didn't see any recent avalanche activity and I didn't have any cracking or collapsing today.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Fresh drifts were seen on NE facing slopes. Snow was not moving around today. However the forecast is for a few more inches of snow tonight and tomorrow with strong winds again. If the forecast holds true we will see an increasing danger for wind slabs.
1. Impressive riming on the trees.
2. Freshly wind loaded NE Tukno, no recent avalanche activity.
3. Five inches has things looking awfully white.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates