Observation Date
2/13/2026
Observer Name
Nate Ament, Chloe Hollis
Region
Moab » Mount Mellenthin
Location Name or Route
Chair 11 Moraine / NW Mellenthin
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Fluctuating snowfall rates all day. Periods of low visibility down to 50 ft at times. As forecasted, winds shifted to NW around 1 PM and temps dropped. Freezing fog and rime in the afternoon, would not be surprised if trees and other surfaces have a thin ice layer tomorrow morning.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
6"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Medium to high density powder on top ranging from 1-7" deep. It has definitely softened skiing conditions, especially in areas of firm wind-affected or sun crusted snow.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Cracking
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Had several propagating and rippling cracks in the new snow on N, NE, and NW aspects at and below treeline. The new snow sits on top of several layers of very poor structure facets.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
The new snow now sits on top of a very poorly structured facet sandwich. The 4-7" layer of new medium density snow showed signs in some places of forming a semi-cohesive slab (see photos of cracking and slab in ski tracks). Increasing danger with any additional snow load or if winds increase dramatically on Monday as forecast. Did not observe any natural avalanches, but visibility was poor and they were likely out there in steeper terrain.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
10,900'
Slope Angle
32°
Comments
Photo notes:
Note the cracks and slab chunks in the ski track photo. At treeline, you can see how quickly the snow depth changes from almost bare talus, to deeper wind sculpted drifts at the trees. Facet layer cake with the new snow frosting slab on top. Depth of snow 90 cm at 10,900 ft, on an elevation and aspect similar to North and West Woods. Snow was generally supportable on skis, but boot penetration was knee deep and beyond off skis.
Get out there and ski while the snow is falling! Smoke 'em if ya got 'em!!
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates
