Observation: Pilot Mt.

Observation Date

3/17/2026

Observer Name

Garcia

Region

Moab » Miner's Basin » Pilot Mt.

Location Name or Route

Pilot Mt. West Face

Weather

Sky

Clear

Wind Direction

West

Wind Speed

Moderate

Weather Comments

Moderate winds from the west above 11,000 feet.

Snow Characteristics

Snow Surface Conditions

Melt-Freeze Crust

Damp

Snow Characteristics Comments

I found good corn skiing on a west facing slope above 10,600 feet. Below that, the snow was wet with "trap door" conditions. Lots of ski boot walking on the Miner's Basin road today. Coverage is poor with long bare stretches below the summer trailhead.

Red Flags

Rapid Warming

Poor Snowpack Structure

Red Flags Comments

Rapid Warming: Overnight lows were 28°F and daytime highs were 50°F at 10,000 feet. No signs of wet activity in my travels today, but wet-loose and wet slabs are just around the corner.

Avalanche Problem #1

Problem

Persistent Weak Layer

Trend

Increasing Danger

Problem #1 Comments

Cold dry facets still exist on polar aspects. These are typically unpredictable and can behave in suprising ways during big warm up. All bets are off until the heat wave is over.

Avalanche Problem #2

Problem

Wet Snow

Trend

Increasing Danger

Problem #2 Comments

No signs of wet activity today. Record breaking temperatures are expecting for the remainder of the week and into the weekend. Wet-loose activity will be a concern on Wednesday.

Comments

Today's Observed Danger Rating

Moderate

Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating

Moderate

Coordinates

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