UDOT PLANNED AVALANCHE CLOSURES!!
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Observation: Moab

Observation Date
1/18/2015
Observer Name
Will Kelley
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
Horse Creek, Chair Eleven, Moonlight Meadows area.
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
West
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Stellar day on the hill. Stronger winds noted at the Geyser Pass area.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
105 cm at Horse Creek off of the top of Laurel Meadows. About 20cm of settled dense pow on top of 45cm slab layer and the remainder being depth hoar. Despite the spooky nature of our snowpack we were unable to get the snow to fail under shear test. 10 light,medium,and hard wacks were unable to produce a shearing layer. This in steep gladed terrain known to slide. Not to say it couldn't happen, but good indications for a snowpack that has adjusted to the most recent, wet and heavy dump.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Rapid Warming
Red Flags Comments
Saw impressive slide debris in the gully off tuk-no, point release out of the central chute off the N Face released a slab in the constriction that fans out into tele heaven. Noted skiers tracks from the day before. Also noted significant point release slides off the sw aspects of local peaks the sun is out and in force.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Problem #1 Comments
Bomber in the N aspects, be suspect of the reassuring pits due to localized conditions. Do not be lulled into shredding the pow, manage groups and terrain accordingly.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
10,300'
Slope Angle
30°
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate