Join us at our 2nd Annual Blizzard Ball
Ad
The National Forest Service Logo
icon-add Observation
Forecasts
Logan Ogden Salt Lake Provo Uintas Skyline Moab Abajos Weather Archives How to read the forecast
Observations & Avalanches
Submit Observation Observations Explorer All Observations Avalanches Fatalities Weather Place Names Map Archives
Education
Avalanche Awareness Develop Skills On-Snow Courses Resources and Tutorials
Events
Store
About
Contact Who we are Core Values Staff Board of Directors Past Forecasters Sponsors Annual Reports Sign In
Blog
icon-add Observation
Donate / Join

Observation: Moab

Observation Date
3/16/2024
Observer Name
Brian Sparks
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
Laurel Highway - North Woods
Red Flags
Red Flags
Heavy Snowfall
Wind Loading
Rapid Warming
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
The clouds broke for awhile this afternoon allowing views of the north faces of Tuk and Tuk No. significant cross loading was visible around terrain features on all open slopes. New storm snow and additional cross loading with storm winds could hide still sensitive cross loaded wind drifts.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
Rapid warming was observed when the sun poked through the clouds. Snow surfaces quickly became wet and cohesive. Just after 2pm the next wave of the storm hit and the wet surface quickly froze and made a thin breakable crust.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate