Observation Date
2/6/2020
Observer Name
Nate Ament
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
Bosques del Norte
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Cold and cloudy, with strong wind gusts on ridgelines and above treeline. Very light intermittent snow flurries throughout the day. In sheltered areas below treeline and at the trailhead, winds were actually very light.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
8"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
The new surface snow from the last storm was fast and cold on north aspects. At treeline, light drifted snow concealed hard wind crust for a variable ride in intermittent dust on crust conditions. We couldn't see far today at treeline, but nearby southern aspects were scoured down to grass and rocks (see photo).
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
Continued winds shifted to the NW, and were redistributing previously drifted snow above treeline. This will likely lead to a complex patchwork of variable snow surfaces and wind deposits on multiple aspects.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Continued wind scouring and loading on exposed areas at and above treeline. Shifting winds will make it hard to select good ski terrain due to the spatial variability of the snowpack. New loading from these wind events is creating additional stress in steep and rocky N and E terrain (i.e. Tele Gold repeater). S and E aspects may experience new loading with today's NW winds.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
Maintain caution near steep and wind drifted slopes.
Comments
Another fun day in the North Woods, where we took shelter from the gusty winds at treeline. The trees up high were definitely talking to us as they swayed in the wind today. Heads up for widowmakers! Fingers crossed for a break in the winds so we can enjoy some of this light early February snow. FYI- there is a skin track up the middle of North Woods for lapping access. It was a good way to stay out of the winds on Laurel Highway.
Big thanks to Grand County for widening the road, and Eric Trenbeath for his tireless work to keep us well-informed!
Photos taken at the top of the North Woods.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates
