UDOT PLANNED AVALANCHE CLOSURES!!
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Observation: Moab

Observation Date
2/20/2014
Observer Name
Trenbeath
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
Pre Laurel Peak-Gold Basin
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Northerly winds blew moderate to strong the night before, tapered off during the day but continued to blow at the uppermost ridge crests.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments

2"-4" of new snow mixed with graupel freshened things up quite a bit. Cold temperatures today kept the snow in good shape, even on sunny aspects at upper elevations. Good dust on crust on southerly aspects, may last for one more day. Exposed west and north west slopes have been worked over by the wind. Areas that had 2' deep wind slabs a week ago are now scoured to near the rocks in some places.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Collapsing
Red Flags Comments
One isoalted collapse today to remind me that there are places where trouble still lurks. North winds were transporting snow on to uppe elevation east and south east aspects. Couldn't get any of it to crack out however.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments

Persistent slabs over riding a poor snow structure continue to be the main problem although pack seems to have mostly adjusted to the new load. No new avalanche activity in nearly two weeks, with collapsing of weak layers growing more and more isolated. Pits show up to a meter of strong snow on top of buried facets. Moving back into a low probability but high consequence phase.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #2 Comments

Isolated, stiff wind slabs exist on the lee sides of terrain features, and cross loading has been a big factor with the changing wind directions of the past week. In some cases, stiff wind slabs exist almost adjacent to nearly bare ground. Other areas that had deep wind slabs on them a week ago have been scoured.

Photo illustrates cross loaded, west facing gullies, adjacent to scoured terrain.

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