UDOT PLANNED AVALANCHE CLOSURES!!
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Observation: Moab

Observation Date
1/10/2014
Observer Name
Trenbeath
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
Laurel Highway-Funnel
Weather
Sky
Broken
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Gusty winds above tree line. Blowing snow. Cold temperatures, 10-15 degrees.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
4"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments

2"-5" of new snow, elevation dependent.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Cracking
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
New snow forming stiff wind slabs along upper elevation, easterly facing ridgelines cracking up to a foot deep but averaging 8" . Softer slabs developing on all upper elevation aspects where cross loading is a factor. Not bonding well with easy shear at old snow interface. Underlying pack remains weak with numerous faceted layer and crust combinations.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #1 Comments

Cracking on upper elevation, east facing ridge line up to a 1' deep.

10" wind slab over riding facet/crust/facet combination on WSW aspect.

Poor snow pack structure and easy shear beneath new wind slab.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Problem #2 Comments

Pit profile and CT demonstrate that persistent slab remains a concern on W-N-E aspects.

Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable