UDOT PLANNED AVALANCHE CLOSURES!!
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Observation: Moab

Observation Date
12/20/2012
Observer Name
Chris Benson
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
NE Glades of Mellenthin
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Light
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
8"
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Abundant and widespread collapsing and some cracking up to 10 m. Snow tests revealed consistently weak layer/ interface between last fridays storm and tuesdays storm. Several CT Easy SC results were obtained and this appeared to be a small layer of buried surface hoar or buried near surface facets. Evidence of naturals on NE aspects near treeline were noted as well as a possible recent crown line on a south aspect near Manns Peak.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow