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Observation: Moab

Observation Date
1/24/2021
Observer Name
Kennard, Grote
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
Julies
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
South
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
We experienced pretty consistent snow fall during our tour today. At times I would guess that we were seeing about 1" an hour snow fall. The snow varied from large stellar flakes to small little needles. Visibility was low so it was hard to see if snow was moving around at higher elevations, but with the moderate winds we experienced I would think there was some transport happening.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
9"
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
The snow that we have received in the mountains since yesterday is more dense than you would expect for this time of year, but we'll take what we can get! 8-10" of dense new snow is now sitting on top of sugary old snow, creating a prime conditions for avalanche activity on steeper slopes. We experienced some cracking in soft wind slabs along laurel highway but I was surprised to not hear or feel any large collapses, something you would expect to find with our current snow pack. However the upside conditions were very apparent while skiing, making for some slightly punchy conditions at times. Around 3:00 as we left the parking lot it was still snowing at a good rate so I would expect things to become more unsettled as more weight is added to our current snow pack. Coverage is still pretty thin out there so ski with cautions as there are plenty of season ending hazards lurking just out of sight.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Cracking
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Lots of red flags out there today and I am sure there will be even more moving forward. We have a shallow weak snow pack right now that, with any luck, will see another 12" of snow by mid week. This is setting us up for an active natural avalanche cycle with the expected wind loading onto our upside down layer cake of a snow pack. I would expect to find touchy conditions on steep slopes for the foreseeable future.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Our meager snow pack has had ample time to facet during the high pressure and cold temps of the past few weeks. Unfortunately this will be a common theme moving forward with persistent weak layer conditions.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
The dense new snow is going to test the old weak snow over the next couple of days. With high winds predicted for Tuesday expect this new snow to move around and load leeward slope adding wind slabs to our list of avalanche concerns.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable