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Observation: Laurel Highway

Observation Date
12/26/2022
Observer Name
Garcia
Region
Moab » Laurel Highway
Location Name or Route
Laurel Highway
Weather
Sky
Broken
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Warm before the storm. 37 degrees in Gold Basin today.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Faceted Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments
I found widespread surface hoar on a variety of aspects on open slopes BTL and NTL. Can't speak to ATL. The largest surface hoar feathers were 8-9 mm in Coyote Chute. On SW aspects the surface hoar is sitting on top of damp snow. Surface hoar goes away when you enter the trees, but it exists in any open patches in glades as well. I am worried the incoming storm is going to bury this layer. Tomorrow's strong SW winds should hopefully remove it from the windward side.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Things are quiet right now. Poor snowpack structure remains.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #1 Comments
PWL problem seems largely dormant for now. The incoming storm will wake this layer up again starting tomorrow night. I got two ECTX results today on a N aspect at 10,550 ft.
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
10,500'
Slope Angle
26°
Photo 1: Surface hoar in Laurel Meadow
Photo 2: Surface hoar in Coyote Chute. Size is 8-9 mm. These large feathers were wall to wall in Coyote. I'm worried they are about to be buried.
Photo 3: An old (not yet reported) natural avalanche in Gravel Pit Lanes. This most likely ran between the 12/21-22 with the NW wind loading event.
Photo 4 + 5: An old (not yet reported) natural avalanche on Mellanthin in upper Horse Cfeek. This also would have ran during the NW wind loading event sometime between the 12/21-22.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates