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Observation: Moab

Observation Date
2/23/2016
Observer Name
Evan Clapper
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
Funnel
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northeast
Wind Speed
Strong
Weather Comments
Laurel Peak seemed to be holding the cloud while I was there. Lower Gold Basin summer road was pleasant, however the weather station and everything along the ridge from prelude to Tuk was getting a chilly wind.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
5"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Great powder below tree line. Higher up there was just enough new snow to just barely get beyond "dust on crust" skiing. Ridge tops were becoming scoured with deeper deposits on the leeward sides however there was surprisingly minimal slabs formed at 10 am. I only found one isolated pocket of reactive wind slab in a specific area which seemed consistent with the day's forecast. No naturals observed on my early(ish) tour. Skiing was much improved.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Red Flags Comments
Observed one collapse on a convex rollover above treeline and another right at tree line dropping in along the vertical stripe of trees that divides upper funnel. Cracking between the skis on the way up above tree line but only one shooting crack. Things felt warm down low later but I was out of there before noon.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate