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Observation: La Sal Mountains

Observation Date
11/27/2016
Observer Name
Travis N
Region
Moab » La Sal Mountains
Location Name or Route
Showoff
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Direction
South
Wind Speed
Strong
Weather Comments
Snowing, at times >1"/hr. Gusty winds were moving a lot of snow around. Powder!
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
11"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Relatively large flakes mostly, but some periods of grappel were also observed.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
Did a quick column test on a wind slab right at timberline at top of show off. Had a clean break CT3 at 12" below snow surface, took me off guard. Could make for some interesting slabs with new snow continuing to load. Other tests on similar aspects without wind effects showed an incredibly stable and well anchored snowpack. Couldn't get a column to fail on Julie's glade. The snow is amazing: 2 to 3.5 feet deep and mostly well anchored!
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Stay off of the wind slabs at timberline, there are weak layers in there!
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
New snow on crust on southern aspect below the aspen line will form a perfect slide surfaces for any kind of slab set up by this storm and for sluff slides.
Snow Profile
Aspect
South
Elevation
11,000'
Slope Angle
25°
Comments
CT3 at 12" below snow surface. This stuff could slide.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable