UDOT PLANNED AVALANCHE CLOSURES!!

Observation: Moab

Observation Date
3/13/2014
Observer Name
Trenbeath
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
Laurel-Talking Mountain Cirque-Gold Basin
Weather
Sky
Broken
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Clear this morning, then clouds and light flurries, then partly cloudy in the afternoon. Not overly warm today. Stayed in teh 20's at 11,000'. mid 30's at 10,000'.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments

Mixed bag of spring like conditions. Still dry on upper elevation northerly aspects. Corn like conditions on SE-S-SW, didn't soften until later in the day.

Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments

Problem is very isolated at this time. Many starting zones at upper elevations are scoured out. Found mostly consolidated snow. Mostly supportable over the facets. Even supported the weight of a snow mobile. Exceptions are extreme, rocky, and slightly wooded terrain right around tree line that face N-NE.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wet Snow
Problem #2 Comments

Worth mentioning because of the time of year, but clouds and light breeze kept activity at bay. Looks to be warmer and sunnier tomorrow.

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