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Observation: Moab

Observation Date
1/12/2023
Observer Name
T Nauman, J Darling
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
Gold Knob
Weather
Sky
Few
Weather Comments
Beautiful blue bird day with a few clouds late in day. The sun definitely wetted up SE-S aspects. No wind!
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Really fun supportable snow with 3-7 soft inches of snow on top. Hero snow! The ridgeline had some wind surfaces, but most of the southern facing backslopes were in really good shape.
Red Flags
Red Flags Comments
No real red flags today. The snow pit had some old facets, but they were pretty strong (>4F) and we pounded on the ECT test with only an ECTN 10 25cm below the snow surface. We edged out onto some milder avalanche terrain today.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
There were some big wind slabs and cornices along the top of north facing pitches.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Decreasing Danger
Problem #2 Comments
We still have facets in many areas. The S-SW aspects are now feeling pretty strong, but slopes are guilty until proven innocent right now. Northern aspects still scare me right now. There was a HUGE cornice on Gold Knob.
Snow Profile
Aspect
South
Elevation
10,600'
Comments
They don't make days much better
ECT: Snow is feeling really strong on Gold Knob
Video
Hero Snow!
Video
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Considerable
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Considerable
Coordinates