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Observation: Moab

Observation Date
2/10/2016
Observer Name
Reed Kennard
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
miners basin
Weather
Weather Comments
Beautiful warm day on some low elevation slopes with temps in the 40's and mild winds.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Faceted Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
We found good recrystallized powder on some low elevation north facing slopes right off the loop road. their was 3 to 4 feet of snow around 8,000 feet. We did not dig, however it was apparent that the bottom quarter of the snow pack was loose facets. That means 2 to 3 feet of snow sitting on top of 12" of unconsolidated sugar.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
low elevation slopes are skiing very well, however their is a shallow snow pack with a large facet layer at the bottom. It would not be difficult to trigger a slide on any thing steeper than 35 degrees on these slopes.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate