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Observation: Moab

Observation Date
2/9/2017
Observer Name
Alpine Extreme
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
Southwest shoulder of South Mountain
Weather
Sky
Scattered
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Warm temps. I'm not sure it was below freezing at my high point of ~11,200 feet
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
On aspects with any sun/radiation exposure there were moist grains on the surface. Moist grains were even present on shaded aspects up to about ~9,600 to 9,800 feet. There was still some good skiing to be had on due North Aspects between 11,200 and 10,200 then the snow character started to change, but it wasn't soupy and slow until a bit lower.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Red Flags Comments
It was a ways off, but my guess is there were some thin wet slabs that released yesterday with all the radiation and sun we got. These slabs were at around 10,600 to 10,800. It is hard to say if it was multiple or one larger one that propagated through the terrain features.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Steeper unsupported slopes were best avoided today though even the southerlies showed muted warming due to some wind and thin cloud. Increasing danger with added radiation/warming.
Snow Profile
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate