Observation: Horse Creek Chutes

Observation Date

2/16/2026

Observer Name

Chris Benson

Region

Moab » Horse Creek Chutes

Location Name or Route

Coyote Chute

Weather

Sky

Overcast

Wind Direction

South

Wind Speed

Moderate

Snow Characteristics

Snow Surface Conditions

Powder

Wind Crust

Melt-Freeze Crust

Red Flags

Poor Snowpack Structure

Red Flags Comments

Sort of a faceted lasagna out there. NTL on NE, most of the snowpack underneath the recent storm snow is faceted with myriad denser, sometimes crust layers interspersed. Not much of a slab on top, but the Feb 13 interface as well as below the xmas rain crust seems to have some of the weakest snow and largest concentration of yellow flags.

Avalanche Problem #1

Problem

Persistent Weak Layer

Avalanche Problem #2

Problem

Wind Drifted Snow

Problem #2 Comments

Wind was picking up, but I did not observe much snow being transported. With higher winds and some new snow, wind slabs will become an issue.

Snow Profile

Aspect

Northeast

Elevation

11,300'

Slope Angle

34°

Today's Observed Danger Rating

Moderate

Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating

Considerable

Coordinates

Observation: Horse Creek Chutes

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