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Observation: Moab

Observation Date
2/12/2023
Observer Name
Chris Benson
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
South Mountain
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Good coverage on the entire approach. Found some nice turns on "golf ball" textured snow.
Some weak snow near the surface had an intermittent wind slab/board above it. Not too much of a problem today, although I would guess some sensitive wind slabs could be a problem as there was little cohesion (easy shovel tilt test and CT 6 SC.) Doesn't seem like propagation is likely though (ECTN12).
This poor structure was enough to make me turn around from steeper, more wind-slab prone terrain.
Found an interesting graupel layer down 75 cm. Was not reactive in tests.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
10,800'
Comments
Some of those cold temps at the end of Jan probably faceted the snow surface. Snow was pretty cold today, and had strong temperature gradients in the upper 40cm.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low
Coordinates