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Observation: Moab

Observation Date
1/22/2017
Observer Name
Travis Nauman
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
Goldminer Trees
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
On and off snow all day with a couple breaks when the sun would peak through. The winds were on and off, but moving a good bit of snow over the ridgelines.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
12"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
The wind has worked most of the higher elevations. We stayed on southern aspects that were pretty supportable under the new snow. Out of wind affected areas, the snow was quite good moderately dense powder. The new storm snow was moderately reactive, and there were some old sun crusts that failed when we wailed on them, but our pit was more stable than expect. It was not in a wind loaded area though...
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
Lots of wind loading on north to northeast aspects. The avalanches on Noriega were quite substantial we got a great view of them: See photos. Other than that, things were relatively supportable today, not much collapsing or weird structure when out of wind affected areas.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
The new snow is still settling and getting moved around, caution is still warranted. If we get more snow tonight, it will get worse, especially as there has been some grauple associated with this storm.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
The wind has wreaked havoc in many areas. Most are pretty discernible and avoidable, but more wind is predicted tonight.
Snow Profile
Aspect
South
Elevation
11,100'
Slope Angle
39°
Comments
Check out how far to observers left the crown on Noriega propagated!
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates