Observation: Moab

Observation Date
1/6/2021
Observer Name
Ament, Garcia
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
Pre Laurel Ridge
Red Flags
Red Flags
Recent Avalanches
Wind Loading
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
We observed plenty of evidence skinning up and skiing down of the poor snowpack structure that has been well-documented in other recent observations.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
The north side of the Laurel ridgeline showed signs of some wind loading and cornice formation. Several gullies on other aspects were also drifted in with wind slab. Not a big problem now, but something to keep in the back of our minds as snow accumulates on north faces (fingers crossed).
Comments
Beautiful day in the alpine. Barely able to ski down above treeline. Thin turns below treeline with many lurking obstacles. Rescue sled photo shows how thin it is up there. Many natural releases were obvious across Gold Basin in the north facing areas commonly skied. Suprising number of tracks in the thin snow, probably a lot of base gouges and rough edges out there. Take care, friends.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates