Ad
The National Forest Service Logo
icon-add Observation
Forecasts
Logan Ogden Salt Lake Provo Uintas Skyline Moab Abajos Weather Archives How to read the forecast
Observations & Avalanches
Submit Observation Observations Explorer All Observations Avalanches Fatalities Weather Place Names Map Archives
Education
Avalanche Class List UAC Class List Online Classes Resources and Tutorials Avalanche Awareness Develop Skills
Events
Store
About
Contact Who we are Core Values Staff Board of Directors Past Forecasters Sponsors Annual Reports Sign In
Blog
icon-add Observation
Donate / Join

Observation: Moab

Observation Date
12/24/2016
Observer Name
R. Kennard
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
laurel highway
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Strong
Weather Comments
Almost constant wind while heading up the laurel highway this morning with no little to no visibility. Winds were in the upper 20's with frequent gust to 40. At times it seemed like a blizzard with Thursday nights snowing swirling around. It didn't seem that cold with temps in the 20's but their was a significant wind chill factor for any exposed skin. By 12:00 the clouds broke and the sun came out, but the winds continued.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
No new snow fell overnight and the winds have had their way with the snow from Thursdays storm. Any snow that fell out in the open during the last storm has been deposited on the leeward side of ridges and terrain features. We saw plenty of snow drifts and freshly formed wind slabs on our way to the top of the northwoods. We found some soft creamy snow trees. The Loop road is unplowed and very icy in places. Geyser Pass road is also unplowed and quite slick. We encounter numerous stuck cars and snow drifts in the usual spots.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Their was almost constant wind transport of the snow that fell a few days ago. Expect to find wind slabs on the leeward side of ridges and terrain features.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
The combination of freshly formed wind slabs, a poor snowpack structure and a possible 10" to 20"of new snow in the next 24 hours could lead to a widespread natural avalanche cycle.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable