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Observation: Moab

Observation Date
12/17/2022
Observer Name
Kennard, Grote
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
Horse Creek
Weather
Weather Comments
It was a chilly start to the day with temps in the teens at the geyser parking area, but it warmed up nicely by noon below tree line and the winds were no where to be seen down low.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
The last round of storms has made for some fantastic skiing in the La Sals! Coverage is still pretty thin, but for now there is enough however I would still be cautious of sharks lurking just below the surface. There is 50-70 cm out in the open in horse creek sitting ontop of a firm crusty layer that formed earlier in the season. The new snow appears to have bonded well to what was on the ground and we did not experience any signs of instability out in the open. However in the trees is a different story where all the snow that we have received in the past couple weeks is sitting ontop of a large layer of facets that formed from the storm earlier this fall.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
The bottom layer of facets is hard to miss in the mountains right now. All you have to do is probe a pole into the snow and you will find a firm layer below the new snow sitting on top of 30cm or so of facets. I would view any slope steeper that’s 30 degrees as something to avoid on the north half of the compass.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable