Observation Date
12/5/2016
Observer Name
Nate Ament
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
Funnel and Gold Miner's
Weather
Sky
Scattered
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
SSW wind causing visible transport of loose snow from high peaks and ridgelines. Obvious overnight scouring of snow from 12/4/16 down to grass and rocks in many places above treeline.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Substantial effects from wind and sun between Saturday (12/3) and Monday (12/5). Areas at treeline that were skiable on Saturday were down to grass by Monday. Up to 1 cm thick sun crusts below treeline.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
Infilling of skin and ski tracks on north facing slopes overnight by wind transport.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Problem #1 Comments
Not really a problem on south facing terrain, but increasing on north facing terrain.
Geyser Pass road is very polished and there are numerous "bomb craters" from vehicles going off the road over the weekend. Avalanche danger may be low/moderate, but the road is getting into the considerable rating... Watch out when descending the gauntlet of road activity on weekend afternoons!
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
