Observation Date
1/23/2016
Observer Name
Travis Nauman
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
Tele Gold
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
warm day, was in mid 30s
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Thin wind crust over 10cm grauple over consolidated, but not super hard (~4F) wind deposits. Grauple fell earlier last week (Tues-Wed) and again Sun (1/24). Will probably be our next weak layer(s). Snowpack was about 8' at our pit. ITS DEEP!
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Lots of really interesting cross loading features throughout the moraines leading up to tele gold below TucNo. I think some of the interfaces between these were creating potential slightly convex sliding planes. Stay off of wind loaded stuff >32 degrees.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Really complex wind loading patterns that might be hard to read with potential to create cohesive slabs. Be cautious when you are in areas with wind patterning.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
Some deeper weak layers do exist.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
10,700'
Slope Angle
32°
Comments
Dug a pit and had a failure at 21 cm (CT18 Q2/PC). Found some other potential weak layers, but they only sheared with a lot of force (more than CT). When filling the pit, shovel shear caused really easy releases at the 21cm weak spot (probably old surface hoar or seam between contrasting wind deposites??). The ease of release with the shovel shear kept us from headed up into the steeper higher stuff in the tele gold area. A tricky gray zone, be careful.
Beautiful day in Gold Basin!
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
