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Observation: Moab

Observation Date
1/22/2022
Observer Name
Ben Hathaway
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
North Aspect Haystack
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
With some heavy pounding on ECT 30+ we were able to get the whole stiff (1 finger density or greater) columns to fall away. Pit dug on a 42 degree northeast slope. Release was 100 cm deep in 120-130 cm deep snow.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
New Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
Sheer surface 25 cm down. We had some failure on ECTs 16 and 22 with no propogation across the column on a clean sheer surface that I believe had been covered by the heavily wind effected snow that fell yesterday 1/21. Sastrugi everywhere on the surface. This surface is visible in the first picture.
Comments
Poor, variable conditions on all aspects of haystack today. Small pockets of powder, thin sun affected ice and rock hard wind board all around. Temps never climbed enough for softening on the south aspects
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Low
Coordinates