Observation: Moab

Observation Date
3/4/2017
Observer Name
R. Kennard
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
Corkscrew Glades
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Direction
Southwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
It was a pretty nice weather out at the glades today. Their were a few clouds in the sky, but for the most part we had sunny skies and mild temps hovering around freezing. Winds were moderate on the skin out to corkscrew, but a little blustery up top on the exposed southwest facing summit.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments

Its felt like spring time in the mountains of southeast utah today with a variety of snow surface conditions that changed through out the day. On the skin out to corkscrew we found plenty of stout melt freeze crust wherever the sun had reached the snow. This included the lower west facing apron of corkscrew. We found plenty of settled boot top powder in the trees and sheltered areas of the glades. We also found several stiff hollow sounding wind slabs in the open area at the top of corkscrew. These were not reactive to our party traveling over them, but did raise a red flag for the group. By the time we headed back to the trail head for some refreshments the sun had softened the melt freeze crust on Mister Toads Wild Ride and made for a pleasant glide out.We also found some corn on a south facing slope in Dorey Canyon.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
We observed some stiff wind slabs at the top of corkscrew and a few punchy pockets on the way up.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Problem #1 Comments

The wind slabs that formed with the last storm seem to be gaining strength, but I would still be cautious around areas of rounded pillows of wind deposited snow.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #2 Comments

Their are some layers lurking in the snow pack that have been gaining strength with recent warm weather, but at upper elevations these will take longer to heal.

Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate