UDOT PLANNED AVALANCHE CLOSURES!!
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Observation: Moab

Observation Date
2/27/2014
Observer Name
Trenbeath
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
Gold Basin Study Plot
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Showery, at times heavy. Moderate winds from SW at 10,000'. Strong to Extreme up high, one gust at 70 mph recorded 1600.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
2"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments

2" medium density mixed with graupel.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Strong winds moving new and available old snow around. Snow pack is still weak with collpapses occuring in areas where entire snow pack had turned to facets in January. Primarily in shady, sheltered, or wooded areas at mid to upper mid elevation.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #1 Comments

New wind slabs, shallow at this time, forming in exposed areas on lee sides of ridges and terrain features.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Problem #2 Comments

Weak layers in the pack still subject to stress as evident by continued collapsing. Above tree line, over riding slabs are either stronger, or non existent due to scouring. Where stronger, they will be quite stubborn to release, but 3'-4' deep if they do. Primary areas of concern are steep rocky, or sparsely wooded terrain, with a northerly aspect between about 10,000' and 11,500'.

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