Observation: Laurel Highway

Observation Date
2/13/2018
Observer Name
Trenbeath, Garcia, Ament
Region
Moab » Laurel Highway
Location Name or Route
Laurel Highway to Pre Laurel Peak Ridgeline
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Southeast
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Wintery post storm day with light but occasionally gusty southerly winds. Temps in the low 20's.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
8"
New Snow Density
High
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments

Dense creamy storm snow mixed with graupel on top of lower density snow.

Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments

Lots of collapses today, horrible snowpack structure with 15cm of 2.5mm facets at the bottom. Faceting working its way up through the pack to about 40cms. New snow load has stressed buried weak layers higher up in the pack - whereas previous ECT's were propagating only on basal facets - propagation in this pit was occurring higher up for the first time this season. Things are primed and ready and it seems the next significant load will produce our first round of natural avalanche activity.

Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments

Strong SE winds during the storm have produced wind slabs on northerly aspects at upper elevations. In many cases they are located further down slope then usual. Seemed a bit stubborn to move today requiring commitment and packing the potential to step down into deeper weak layers.

Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
10,900'
Slope Angle
23°
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates