UDOT PLANNED AVALANCHE CLOSURES!!

Observation: Miner's Basin

Observation Date
1/1/2025
Observer Name
Ament, Garcia
Region
Moab » Miner's Basin
Location Name or Route
North Group - Ramen Bowl
Weather
Sky
Few
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Crystal clear, cold, bluebird pow day to ring in the new year!
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Faceted Loose
Wind Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
Fast, fun powder is still out there for those who seek it. Sheltered areas below treeline are the name of the game, and paying attention to recent winds help you find what you're looking for in 2025.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
We did not observe any cracking or collapsing today, both in the trees and in open terrain. One sharp turn on a short pitch steeper than 30 degrees produced a short run loose sluff of new snow and facets on a firmer bed surface.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Trend
Same
Problem #1 Comments
Angular facets from 0.5-2 mm still lurk in the mid to lower snowpack, but overall these layers failed to produce any significant results in our CT and ECT. That said, there were isolated pockets of wind slab which I expect would have increased in frequency and density above the elevation we skied at today. In support of Dave Garcia's 12/31 observation, slopes NTL should be evaluated on an individual basis before skiing anything more than 30 degrees. The dragon is still sleeping but could be awakened by skiing the wrong combo of wind deposition, facets, and terrain.
Snow Profile
Aspect
East
Elevation
10,800'
Slope Angle
27°
Comments
Despite some recent dry and warm spells, there is still some great, safe skiing out there on a supportable base. Waaaay better than this time last year, lest we forget. Remember, skiing is better than not skiing! Happy New Year!
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates