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Observation: Moab

Observation Date
12/4/2015
Observer Name
Trenbeath
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
Abajo Mountains-North Creek
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Wind Direction
South
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Mild and breezy, temps near 30F at 10,000, southerly winds 15-20 mph
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Faceted Loose
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments

Very shallow, early season snowpack well worked over by the wind and sun, Damp down low, even on northerly aspects.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Winds have been having their way and there are isolated stiff wind slabs in exposed locations on the lee sides of ridge crests and terrain features. Slabs are shallow and thin, and are overriding such a minimal amount of snow that they don't pose much of a problem. Snowpack structure is very weak, turing into a pile of facets with an occasional crust/facet sandwhich. Definitely a concern for the future.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Problem #1 Comments

As per above comments, not really much of a problem but worth noting in wind exposed terrain on N-NE-E aspects. It is possible that in an extreme location one might be able to trigger a wind slab that would step down into the weaker facets underneath and hence take them for a rather bumpy ride.

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

Conditions are setting up for persistent slab problems when new snow comes, but as of yet, no real slab exists.

Proverbial house of cards just below Cooley Pass.

Well developed depth hoar with faceting snow above. East facing at 9500'

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