UDOT PLANNED AVALANCHE CLOSURES!!

Observation: Moab

Observation Date
1/7/2023
Observer Name
Brian Sparks, Forrest Megargel
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
Noriega
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
No collapsing or cracking observed while touring.
Snow Profile
Aspect
North
Elevation
10,500'
Comments
This pit location had a very deep snow pack with 230cm total snow depth, due to wind loading. The facets at the base of the snow pack are rounding and bonding with the weakest facets at the top of the layer at 140 cm depth.
An extended collum test had no result with the regular 30 taps but failed with propogation at 140 cm facets with very hard, 2-handed hits.
The facets seem to be gaining strength but the stability results indicate a very scary moderate danger where a very large avalanche could be triggered from a thin or weak spot.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate