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Observation: Moab

Observation Date
4/10/2020
Observer Name
Garcia/Ament
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
Tuk No SE Face
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Southeast
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Beautiful spring day in the La Sals.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Snow surface got a refreeze last night, but things warmed up quickly today. Mid elevation North facing slopes had the most supportable snow today. (At least between 11 and 1PM). We climbed and skied a SE face and it was a little softer than anticipated after seeing overnight temps in the mid 20's for a solid 12 hours. While booting up the SE face, penetration was boot top and sometimes even knee deep. This was mostly happening below 11,600 ft. Above that the snow was a bit more supportable. Our ski down was on damp soft snow. Descended around 1 PM, 2 hours earlier and it would have been prime corn skiing.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Rapid Warming
Red Flags Comments
Mid 30's above 11,000 feet today and strong sunshine.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Really warm today and things were getting damp on the SE aspect. Knee deep boot penetration at times was a red flag for sure. I had it in mind to bail, but fortunately the snow firmed up as we climbed higher. Things should freeze tonight, but with another warm day on tap for tomorrow, I would aim to be off solar aspects by noon.
Photo 1: We got an up close look at the old slide in Red Snow Cirque. Photo 2, 3, 4. Scenic shots of the terrain showing very scoured and sun baked South and West faces up high. Photo 5: Nate skiing supportable snow up high. Photo 6: Different story down low. Time to go! (Note the small, shallow wet slide to the looker's left of Nate.) Photo 7: Fun supportable snow on North facing Tele Gold.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates