Ad
The National Forest Service Logo
icon-add Observation
Forecasts
Logan Ogden Salt Lake Provo Uintas Skyline Moab Abajos Weather Archives How to read the forecast
Observations & Avalanches
Submit Observation Observations Explorer All Observations Avalanches Fatalities Weather Place Names Map Archives
Education
Avalanche Class List UAC Class List Online Classes Resources and Tutorials Avalanche Awareness Develop Skills
Events
Store
About
Contact Who we are Core Values Staff Board of Directors Past Forecasters Sponsors Annual Reports Sign In
Blog
icon-add Observation
Donate / Join

Observation: Moab

Observation Date
3/27/2020
Observer Name
Garcia/Ament
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
North Woods
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
South
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Light snowfall off and on for most of our tour. Snowfall intensity picked up around 2 PM and it was snowing hard for the last hour we were up there.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
3"
New Snow Density
Low
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
3.5 inches on the stake around 2 PM today. 70" base depth. The new snow is cold and light. Plenty of graupel falling from the sky today.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Poor snowpack structure still exists on North and East aspects. We encountered firm, slick crusts on the solar aspects beneath the new snow. New snow came in cold and is not well bonded to the slick crusts. Snowfall was heavy between 2 and 3 PM, but appears to have slowed again and we are at 6.5 inches as of 8 PM. Not really enough weight to bump the danger rating to considerable. Winds are strong enough to blow snow, and this snow is light and will be easily transported. Look for fresh drifts tomorrow.
Lots of graupel falling today, seen here on my skis and glove.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates