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Observation: La Sal Mountains

Observation Date
12/7/2022
Observer Name
Trenbeath
Region
Moab » La Sal Mountains
Location Name or Route
Laurel Highway
Weather
Sky
Obscured
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
South
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
Off and on light to moderate snowfall. Really picked up at the end of the day. Gusty southerly winds, especially above tree line, bit also breezy below.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
7"
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
The snowpack is still not really talking to us yet - no cracking or collapsing, which is somewhat disconcerting because the underlying structure is so weak. A simple pole plant will quickly tell you this. The load just isn't quite there, maybe by tomorrow. There still isn't a widespread cohesive slab though it can be found in some areas. Areas with wind drifted snow are where you are guaranteed to find a slab over the weak structure, and for now, these are the areas of greatest concern.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
The underlying snowpack beneath the Nov 28 storm is mostly faceted all the way through. With today's snowfall as of 3:00 pm, there is about 30cm of total snow on top of facets, and as noted above, it hasn't formed a widespread cohesive slab yet.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
Lots of blowing and drifting snow, especially above treeline but not limited to there. Primary pattern is on to leeward, northerly aspects. I did not observe any cracking, or direct signs of wind slab instability. The primary concern is the additional loading on the buried PWL.
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
11,200'
Slope Angle
25°
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates