UDOT PLANNED AVALANCHE CLOSURES!!

Observation: Moab

Observation Date
2/18/2017
Observer Name
Ryan Cutter
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
Laurel
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southeast
Wind Speed
Strong
Weather Comments
Overcast with light to moderate snowfall this morning. Strong winds in the 30s gusting to 40s on the ridge tops.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
5"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
New snow was falling with around 3" at the geyser pass parking lot and 6" up higher at 11am. Snow was noticeably dryer with a gain in elevation.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
High winds were transporting new snow and loading the lee side of the ridge.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
New snow wind loading onto existing lee side wind slab and on top of melt/sun crust
Comments
New snow seemed to be bonding well despite melt crust from the past few days. Depending on storm totals and aspect I'd expect the danger to be in the moderate to considerable range tomorrow. Be on the lookout for newly formed wind slabs.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable