UDOT PLANNED AVALANCHE CLOSURES!!
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Observation: Moab

Observation Date
2/9/2014
Observer Name
Scott Watson
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
North Creek Canyon, Abajo Mounains
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Rain
Wind Direction
South
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Rain and warm weather created a very heavy snowpack.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Density
High
Snow Surface Conditions
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Wet top layer over 20 inches of snow. Bottom 12 inches is very loose and non cohesive. Sufficient rain at the Dalton Springs trailhead and Buckboard CG/ elevations below 9500 feet to saturate and reduce snowpack depth.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Evidence of avalanche activity in North Creek. Most chutes from the Horsehead south appeared to be active and triggered by snowmobiles. Some lingering areas of concern.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Wet snow on top of poor bottom layer.
Snow Profile
Aspect
East
Elevation
9,600'
Slope Angle
35°
Comments
Very dangerous conditions in North Creek and Upper Indian Creek drainages where obvious avalanche paths exist.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
High
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
High
Coordinates