Observation: Moab

Observation Date
1/9/2016
Observer Name
Jeff Arbon
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
La Sal Pass/Dark Canyon
Weather
Sky
Broken
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Weather Comments
Light, intermittent, snowfall above 9000' throughout the day.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Deep powder.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
9,500'
Slope Angle
12°
Comments
Rode snowmobiles on the east side of the La Sals, Dark Canyon and La Sal Pass. Snowmobiles would get stuck if you stopped facing uphill and required route planning to stay on top of the snowpack. Dug a pit: 9500'; northeast facing; 12 degree slope; approximately 44" deep; only significant weak layer at approx. 18"; bottom 6" was sugar/faceted. Could not get the weak layer to shear in our column, the column failed from the weak 6" layer at the ground surface.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate