UDOT PLANNED AVALANCHE CLOSURES!!

Observation: Moab

Observation Date
2/24/2015
Observer Name
Brian Sparks
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
Blue Mountain ski area
Weather
Sky
Scattered
Wind Direction
North
Wind Speed
Moderate
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
18"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Rain-Rime Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
12 to 18" of new snow in the old Blue mountain Ski area. Moderate density with an eggshell rime crust on exposed north to northeast facing slopes.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Cracking
Collapsing
Red Flags Comments
I experienced 7 collapses with associated cracking while breaking trail up the northeast facing run. Collapsing was in facets and depth hoar near the ground on shady slopes at elevations from 8950' to 9600'.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable