Observation Date
12/17/2016
Observer Name
Travis N
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
Noriega Aspens
Weather
Sky
Broken
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Cold air has come in after the frontal passage. Wind has died down considerably.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
11"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
5 to 10 inches of dry snow over about as much new dense snow. Total snow depth of 2 to 3 feet, mostly closer to 2. Really weak layer under this storm fall.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Cracking
Collapsing
Red Flags Comments
It was a day of whooompf. The snow was collapsing everywhere and propagating. Even on our skin track after 8 skier passes there were still collapses.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Unfortunately, the interface at the bottom of this storm layer seems likely to be a persistent weak layer that could release slabs for a while. Will have to monitor to see.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Problem #2 Comments
There has been an incredible amount of wind and the snow has been moved around a lot. Pay close attention to rounded pillows, they were also collapsing when we popped out on a couple at timberline on gently sloping terrain.
Comments
We stayed on really low angle slopes today. I wouldn't go on anything steeper than 26 degrees until snow settles out and stabilizes, particularly where there has been wind drifting. We could feel the wind drifts collapsing and propagating in the picture shown.
Sure is beautiful up there right now tho!
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
