UDOT PLANNED AVALANCHE CLOSURES!!
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Observation: Moab

Observation Date
1/6/2014
Observer Name
Ryan Schantzenbach
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
Gold Basin
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Mostly windy on the ridges and above treeline... Trailhead calm
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Faceted Loose
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Mixed bag to keep you on your skis.. like a frightened cat at times! isolated shallow wind slabs, some recrystallized powder for two or three turns. future will have buried slabs over a faceted snow pack on NW - NE Multiple buried weak layers 8-10 cm and 30cm deep, few more not as apparent. North aspect 10,000 ft
Red Flags
Red Flags
Cracking
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Hollow sounding snow, poles thru to ground(shallow snow pack) localized wind slabs breaking around skis
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Isolated areas of deep slabs still exist with very faceted snow with buried weak layers within the slab itself. found on the open sun sheltered Northerly's
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Will become a factor with new snow fall... they will be buried over weaker snow. widely scattered above treeline- small pockets
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
10,000'
Slope Angle
36°
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates