UDOT PLANNED AVALANCHE CLOSURES!!
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Observation: Moab

Observation Date
2/1/2014
Observer Name
Brian Murray
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
MIners Basin
Weather
Sky
Scattered
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Warming temps until noon with ridge-line clouds, followed by snow flurries and rapidly dropping temps after 2PM. Clearing by 5PM.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
8"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Tour to southern slopes of lower Horse Mountain. 4-6" of new snow at 8,000 ft , 8-12 at 10,000 ft, depth of storm snow variable during tour.......some big drifts. Frequent wumpfing while climbing up . New snow denser at top vs. bottom. Loose faceted snow below new snow except on southern facing slopes .....crust here generally supportable. Good skiing on these southern slopes, except where SE has burned off by recent sun/wind. No avalanche activity observed in historical, northerly slide paths adjacent to Miners Basin Road . High alpine obscured by clouds.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Widespread weak snow-pack. Present soft slab/wind slab hazard plus perfect setup for potential future avalanches with additional snowfall/wind-loading
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates