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Observation: Gold Basin

Observation Date
12/27/2022
Observer Name
Garcia
Region
Moab » Gold Basin
Location Name or Route
Gold Basin
Weather
Sky
Broken
Precipitation
Light Snowfall
Wind Direction
South
Wind Speed
Strong
Weather Comments
Winds were stronger than the forecasted range. South winds were nuking on ridgelines above 11,000 ft. Gusts approaching 50.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
In my observations yesterday I reported widespread surface hoar BTL and NTL. I am happy to say that today the very strong Southerly winds did a great job of removing/destroying most of the surface hoar out there. The strong winds even stripped surface hoar from NE facing slopes NTL. Surface hoar remains in open patches in glades, but you had to go searching for it today. It makes sense that it still exists here. It had a clear sky to initially form, but it has protection from the trees that it didn't get destroyed by the wind. So SH will get buried in these open patches in the trees. This is certainly something to be aware of, but it is pretty isolated and not going to be contributing overall danger.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
I found a strong slab over a weak layer of Facets on a SW facing slope at 11,200 ft.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Monday I got two ECTX results on a N aspect around 10,500 ft. (See yesterday's Ob). Today I got one ECTX on a SW aspect at 11,200 ft. HS on the SW was 75cm. Both pits have poor snowpack structure with a slab over weak facets. We haven't seen much activity from this buried weak layer lately. Tonight's powerful storm has the potential to reawaken this layer. Depending on snow totals, we may see Southerly aspects come back into the mix for a PWL problem.
Photo 1: SW at 11,200 ft. HS 75cm. ECTX.
Photo 2: A closer look at the slide in Gravel Pit taken from the toe of the debris.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
High
Coordinates