Observation: Exxons Moraines

Observation Date
2/27/2025
Observer Name
Trenbeath
Region
Moab » Gold Basin » Exxons Moraines
Location Name or Route
Exxon's Moraines
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
April weather in February.
Snow Characteristics
Snow Surface Conditions
Powder
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Melt-Freeze Crust
Snow Characteristics Comments
It's been two weeks since the last significant snowfall (15" @ 2.4 SWE), and a week since we picked up 2"-4". The surface is showing wear and tear. A strong sun and warm temperatures have crusted over all solar aspects, flat meadows, and even some low angle northerly aspects not sheltered by trees. NW winds during the period, though not strong, have affected the snow surface in exposed areas in Gold Basin, as they often do. Settled powder can still be found in sheltered areas. Travel is easy over a supportable slab. South facing slopes are thin or melted out.
Wind etched surfaces on exposed northerly aspects in open areas, even at lower elevations. Still relatively soft though with the occasional ski grabbing crust. Gold Basin does take a direct hit from NW winds. The higher up you go, the worse it gets.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Poor Snowpack Structure
Red Flags Comments
Snowpack structure remains very poor, although the slab appears to be partially stripped off in exposed terrain. I spent most of my time today in low elevation terrain that resembles near treeline. I dug on a due west aspect at 10,100' that was lightly crusted on the surface, and found the same structure we've been finding everywhere near treeline and below in the north half of the compass. The slab on top of the fist hard weak layer is now 1 finger density at the bottom and supports the weight of a skier. A faceted snowpack with melt forms exists the rest of the way to the ground. ECTP 25. I also dug on a due north aspect and continued to find a similar structure minus the melt freeze crust. ECTP 22.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Persistent Weak Layer
Problem #1 Comments
The following images are from the west facing snowpit.
The following images are from a north aspect.
Snow Profile
Aspect
West
Elevation
10,100'
Slope Angle
22°
Comments
The poor snowpack structure is not likely to change anytime soon. Our best hope will be for a big load in March to clean everything out. Otherwise, it's going to stick with us for the season. That said, it's now been two weeks since our last load that produced remarkably few natural avalanches. I observed no outward signs of instability, and the Feb 14 storm snow has settled into a strong, cohesive slab. I believe that bridging is occurring, but it's very hard to trust what's underneath. Overall, I would say the likelihood for human triggered avalanches has diminished, but they remain very possible. The distribution is also less due to some scouring near treeline. But the bottom line is the snowpack is not something I'm personally willing to trust, and I'll be continuing to avoid steep terrain.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
None
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
None
Coordinates