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Observation: Moab

Observation Date
2/21/2021
Observer Name
Nauman, Quinn, Howell, Wilson
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
Noriega's BS
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
North
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
It was one of those days that remind you of why you wander the mountains. Bluebird skies with crisp air and a little breeze here and there to cool you off. Pure magic.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
2"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
A little snow feel last night, but anything exposed to the winds last night got blasted around. There were a mix of sun crusts under the new snow on solar aspects, wind crusts on higher exposed terrain elements, and buttery powder in more sheltered areas. We gambled that west aspects would still have some soft snow, and it mostly paid off today, particularly above 9500'. The snow ranged from about 60-70cm on the Trans La Sal trail to 100-120cm at 10,400'
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
We did have some small collapses today, but this was very specifically constrained to areas with low shrubs that often create hollow spots in the snow. As this area is very familiar, I can say that we get more collapsing in these locations than most. However, most of my pole pokes today spoke of basal facets.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
There are basal and mid-profile facets in all the west(ish) faces I have looked at this year and today revealed the same pattern. However, despite having these facet layers in our profile today, we could not get either of our two ECT test to fail. I even went for the two handed gorilla slap today with no failure. It sure seems like the snowpack is getting stronger. This is the first profile I have dug this year that has not failed in an ECT test. However, the basal facets were very large (2-3mm) and included the entire lower 36 cm of the 100cm profile. Crossing my fingers that the weather behaves and the snow continues to strengthen. The west faces are showing signs of hope.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Recent rounds of wind have moved considerable snow and there are fresh wind slabs that may be reactive.
Snow Profile
Aspect
West
Elevation
10,400'
Slope Angle
25°
Comments
Profile densities
Some old debris in the Dory Canyon chutes and some cool side loaded cornice action on the SW face of Tukno.
Some old avy debris in the west facing pitches of Talking Mountain
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates