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Observation: Moab

Observation Date
3/24/2024
Observer Name
Charlie Ramser, Dave Garcia
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
Corkscrew Glade
Weather
Sky
Overcast
Precipitation
Moderate Snowfall
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
It was overcast pretty much all day and snowing S-1 to S2. There were moments we could see Noreiga's ridge, which was the most viz we got. Winds did not blow as forecasted. Fluky forecast with both wind and snow amounts.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
6"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Snow Characteristics Comments
Great powder snow, consistent/right side up. The crust underneath can affect your turns, but if the crust was smooth it was less of a nuisance.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
New Snow
Problem #1 Comments
We triggered three D1 storm slab avalanches that slid on N/O snow interface. New snow was cohesive enough to break and produce storm slab, as opposed to loose point release. It could be possible that we see more avalanches like this on steep slopes with smooth crust underneath storm snow.
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #2 Comments
We found the PWL mid pack to be non-reactive, ECTX. Where we dug a pit that layer was 90cm from the snow surface and grains were 1mm.
The basal facets are still there but have gained strength. Still couldn't make a snowball with them though.
We may not be talking about this layer moving forward, however it could still be possible it gets woken up with a load or facet growth goes the other direction again. Fun!
Comments
Snowpit:
  • Elevation 10,150ft
  • Slope angle 36 deg
  • Halfway up Gorkscrew glade
  • PWL 90cm down, and old basal facets
  • HS 180cm
  • NW aspect
Other snow notes. At the base of Corkscrew Glade HS was 115cm and we could feel 10cm of less cohesive snow at the bottom when probing.
Photo of our pit shows PWL mid pack, and N/O snow interface. It snowed a couple more centimeters on the hike up.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates