Observation Date
2/13/2021
Observer Name
Nauman, Garcia
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
North Woods
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Direction
South
Wind Speed
Strong
Weather Comments
It snowed pretty steady most of the day with increasing intensity towards mid-afternoon as we left the mountain. The winds were also active with some periods of pretty cold nasty gusts and snow was being transported in many areas. There were also times where it quieted down and gave us moments of relief. However, there will be plenty of fresh wind slabs and there will probably be some natural avalanches due to the new snow and wind transport. We even experienced significant wind drifts coming down Gold Basin Rd to the shortcut so windslabs will not be limited to the high ridgelines.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
6"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
About 6" of medium density had fallen by the time we got to making turns in the northwoods. The snow in many areas had been exposed to enough wind to start to form slabs. The new snow also has not bonded well and we were constantly slipping on the old snow interface while breaking tracks. This could make storm snow avalanches more likely through this storm cycle so watch out for that particularly if we get a substantial dump (fingers crossed). Should be good skiing tomorrow, but stay clear of avalanche terrain.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Although we didn't have any collapsing or large cracks, the new snow is quickly forming a slab. With our delicate layers of facets in the snowpack of most aspects, we may see some big avalanches if this storm unleashes on us. I being a pessimist about the storm and predicting Considerable danger tomorrow, but if we get more than another 0.5" SWE and continue to have winds gusting >30, I think the danger will be High.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Lots of wind slabs forming today... I would lump this in with a new snow problem to cover the the full range of problems without enough text windows.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #2 Comments
Weak layers still lurch at the bottom of our snowpack waiting to be re-awakened with new load.
Comments
Footage of snow being blown down onto Coyote. The southern winds today will further load our north faces where our weak layers are the worse. The wind had been much worse just 30 seconds before, but you get the point.
Video
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates
