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Observation: Moab

Observation Date
2/3/2024
Observer Name
Van Wetter
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
South Mountain
Weather
Sky
Scattered
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Weather Comments
Scattered clouds and intermittent flurries.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
5"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Red Flags
Red Flags
Cracking
Collapsing
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Widespread, energetic collapsing on south and east faces around 9,500'. Poor bonding between dense new snow and sun crusts below treeline south and east facing. Sheltered northfacing slopes and higher elevations had dense, wet new snow with good cohesion to older layers.
Comments
While the snowpack is thin at low elevations, we were able to ski from the La Sal Pass winter trailhead. Widespread collapsing at low elevations among gambol oak and aspen. South and east faces had obvious sun effect under new snow. Good coverage below and near treeline on north aspects. No collapsing or whumphing on north faces.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates