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Observation: La Sal Mountains

Observation Date
4/1/2016
Observer Name
Reed Kennard
Region
Moab » La Sal Mountains
Location Name or Route
North woods
Weather
Wind Direction
North
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
It felt like winter this morning in the mountains with temperatures in the teens and low twenties for most of the morning above 10,000 feet. By noon temps were above freezing creating some glopping issues.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
the intense spring time sun is creating a good variety of conditions in the La Sals. A healthy melt freeze crust has formed any place that sees direct sunshine. A fair amount of dampness can also be found on sunny slopes later in the day. excellent Boot top powder can be found in shady sheltered areas, but even small sunny areas in the trees have already been effected by the sun. I dug a pit at the top of coyote chute and found a layer of sugary about 35 cm down from the surface. This same layer failed during a compressing test with results CTH 22 Q2.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Rapid Warming
Red Flags Comments
The strong winds during and after the last storm cycle have created some stout wind slabs and cornices on leeward slopes. On the drive up to the trail head this morning I noticed some heavy wind transport on the north end of the range. Watch out for signs of wet slab instability as temps warm back up over the weekend.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Same
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
11,200'
Slope Angle
25°
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate