Observation: Moab

Observation Date
2/17/2024
Observer Name
Chris Benson
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
Middle Cirque
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Snow Profile
Aspect
Northeast
Elevation
11,100'
Comments
We skied Gold Miner's and then traversed into Middle Cirque.
South aspects had a 2-3 cm tick MFcr and provided fast predictable turns. Noted some fresh wind loading near ridgeline, but did not observe cracking or cohesive slab development.
Valley bottoms had predictably soft settled powder. No collapsing while breaking trail.
In the wind zone on a northeast aspect we noted an Hs of around 135cm. This was of course, highly variable. Instead of digging in a deep spot we choose to dig in a shallower spot to seek out the shallower, weaker snow. Somewhat surprisingly, in this area the snow was quite consolidated but still contained weak, large, persistent grain types near the bottom of the snow pack. With the stout midpack, this weak layer is going to be hard to impact, but we still choose to be well away from overhead hazard as the early Feb. avalanche cycle showed, the structure is poor and it is probably still possible to trigger large avalanches if you find the wrong spot.
Sunny snow surfaces were getting wet by the end of the day and we had some glopping.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
None
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None
Coordinates