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Observation: Moab

Observation Date
1/6/2022
Observer Name
Charlie Ramser
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
Mellenthin W glade
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Speed
Calm
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Today I saw mostly soft settled powder and some wind crust. Wind crust was breakable and 3-5 cm in areas I traveled.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
The only red flag today was the faceted snow at the base of the 170-195cm snowpack, some pole probing had me guessing there was 20cm of non-cohesive facets at the base in shaded areas.
Comments
I did a CT and ECT. The results I got were CTN and ECTX. My columns were 120cm tall and the base of them were just above the basal facets. NW aspect and tucked in the shade of some trees, just below treeline.
The wind crust did pop out immediately with my shovel shear test. Looking closely, there are some facet just starting to form underneath. The glove photo is meant to highlight what is starting to happen under this crust.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates