UDOT PLANNED AVALANCHE CLOSURES!!
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Observation: Moab

Observation Date
1/19/2013
Observer Name
Will Kelley
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
Cork Screw Glades
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Blue bird and warm...at least warmer than Moab. It was a treat to be able to hang out at the top, admire the peaks, chat and eat before ripping skins and harvesting.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
3"
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
At least 12" depth hoar with a solid bridge of 2' to 3' feet of even density snow to the snow surface. No whomping, no sign of previous activity. Shallow but good turns due to the solid settlement of the two previous storms.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Rapid Warming
Red Flags Comments
This N. Aspect is not as of yet affected in a negative way by our recent warming trend.
Avalanche Problem #1
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Continued warming may drive facet building as the difference between night time temps and day time temps increase. Did note the development of surface hoar cyrstals on tour so maybe it is already happening, plus remember this surface hoar after the next storm event. While our La Sal snow pack is at or just above average depth it is still shallow, be aware and vigilant of potential ground hazards.
Get it while you can. While the last storm was over a week ago and the precip was not what we were hoping for there are still many areas to explore and powder awaits. With the temps changing do pay attention to the snow pack on steeper slopes. Check the snow out and manage the group, one at a time crossings on exposed slopes were the order of the day, one at time skiing yielded great turns. Nice to get on the steeps.