Observation: La Sal Mountains

Observation Date
12/19/2019
Observer Name
Ian Marynowski
Region
Moab » La Sal Mountains
Location Name or Route
Gold Basin
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
3-6" layer of wind drifted snow was consolidated on top of a thin layer of graupel, we saw no major signs of current instability (ECTN 23)
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
We found two layers, roughly 50 and 70cm deep that contained small faceted grains and/old graupel. We saw small cracks form but not propagate during an ECT, but were able to pull them out with a shovel.
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
10,400'
Comments
We skinned up to the pre Laurel weather station and then skied The Funnel, which contained about 50cm of loosely consolodated snow with a slight crust about 10cm deep. We then toured back up Gold Basin and skied a glade below the East side Tuk. Moraine. We saw evidence of recent snow transportation with few day old tracks being covered, but did not find any reactive snow drifts in the sub 11,000 foot area, though there could be potential for some higher in isolated spots. The wind slabs seem to be failing on a thin layer of graupel which we observed at all elevations skinning to the weather station.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates