Observation Date
1/14/2021
Observer Name
Charlie Ramser & Rachel Nethercut
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
Exxon Folly Run out - GB
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
None. Sunny.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Faceted Loose
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Rain-Rime Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Best skiing and riding is on the groomed road. Shout out to LUNA for all their work! So far, motorized users haven't chewed up the grooming much, thank you!
Red Flags
Red Flags
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
-Cracking and collapsing on some aspects in Gold Basin. We saw this in isolated areas, the cracking and collapsing did not propagate more than a couple meters from our skis.
-The problem layer continues to be just below the Nov/Dec crust. Note, there are even larger facets forming further down, but are not showing up as a problem layer....yet.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
The Nov/Dec crust is providing a great breading ground for weak, brittle, beautiful facets. This layer (we observed 35 cm from the ground) is in close proximity to the more recent snowfall.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northwest
Elevation
10,000'
Slope Angle
19°
Comments
Observed snow depth of 65 cm
CT 2, Q2, @ 35 cm from the ground
ECTP 2, Q2, @ 35 cm from the ground - wow!
Slab recipe exists with reactive weak layer and cohesive 'storm' snow (this snow is starting to facet and be less cohesive, but still sticking together enough to be threat)
Best skiing all day was on the road.
Starting off, a quick shovel shear showed us where we would see our next 2 test results.
Strands of facets growing beneath the crust.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates
