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Observation: Moab

Observation Date
12/18/2016
Observer Name
Reed Kennard
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
Laurel Ridge
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Bluebird day in the mountains with little to no wind near tree line. Single digit temps in the parking lot in the morning, but once the sun crested the ridge it warmed up enough for a pleasant day of ski touring.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
the 6" of low density powder that fell at the end of the last storm cycles has made for some great skiing conditions. However this is sitting on top of a 10" layer of very dense snow that is sitting on top a weak layer of surface facets that formed during our last cold dry spell.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
The natural avalanche cycle did not produce as many avalanches as expected form the last storm as expected. We observed a large crown on laurel ridge that ran into Horse Creek, a few cornice drops down the north face of Tukno, and some small pockets in middle cirque that looked like they ran mid storm. We felt collapsing while traveling through laurel meadows and skinning up Julies. The north faces in Gold Basin looked they all had substantial wind loading that occured during the last storm.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate