Join us at our 2nd Annual Blizzard Ball
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
12/30/2020
Observer Name
Garcia
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
Pinto
Weather
Sky
Clear
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Red Flags
Red Flags
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
We experienced collapsing and shooting cracks pretty much anywhere that held snow prior to this storm. Low angle meadows were collapsing with the weight of a person. The underlying faceted snow is still very sensitive.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Today was very similar to yesterday. I was not surprised by how much collapsing and cracking we experienced. Touchy conditions will persist for a while. Low angle slopes, and slopes that didn't hold snow prior to the 15 inches from 12/28-29 are the name of the game for now.
Photo 1: A long shooting crack on the way up to Pinto. Photo 2: If you look closely you can see spider web like shooting cracks on the snow surface. The new snow has formed a soft slab on top of buried facets. Photo 3: Looking into upper Horsecreek. We did not see any natural activity from the recent storm in Horsecreek. Considerable danger NW through NE mid and upper elevations.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates