Observation Date
2/21/2026
Observer Name
Trenbeath, Mathews, Garcia, BC 101
Region
Moab » La Sal Mountains
Location Name or Route
Geyser Pass Road - Shortcut - Burn Off Ridge
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Beautiful calm winter day that started out cold but got a little warmer than expected (27°F at 10,000'). Strong sun getting higher in the sky made it feel warmer.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
14"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
The mountains have finally been graced with light, fluffy, deep powder snow! The surface remained dry throughout the day, should still be dry on southerlies tomorrow.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
All the red flags but one out there today. We didn't actually see avalanches but heard reports of large slides in the alpine. Cracking and collapsing were isolated but somewhat frequent. We even saw one long crack on a road cut driving up. We spent all of our time under 10,000' where the slab was very soft, but still reactive, and more dense than the underlying facets.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
The Feb 11 faceted layer was our layer of concern. A compression test produced a score of CT13 Q1 with failure at the bottom of the faceted layer, on top of the Christmas Rain Crust (CRC). An Extended Column test produced a score of ECTP13 at the top of the Feb 11 weak layer. At this low elevation (9600'), facets below the rain crust are well developed but they form a 1 finger (1f) to pencil minus (p-) hard conglomerate with ice forms and depth hoar. At upper elevations, basal facets below the CRC are mostly 4 finger (4f) or 4 finger plus (4f+) in hardness.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Soft slab formation and loose snow sluffs were observed in the new snow.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
9,700'
Slope Angle
26°
Comments
It was a great day for an avalanche class with lots of red flag signs of instability, poor snowpack structure, and reactive stability tests. Thanks to the students for their engagement and real desire to learn. A great time was had by all!
Today's Observed Danger Rating
High
Coordinates
