Observation: Laurel Highway

Observation Date

1/9/2026

Observer Name

Van Wetter

Region

Moab » Laurel Highway

Location Name or Route

Laurel Highway

Weather

Sky

Clear

Wind Speed

Calm

Weather Comments

A very fine bluebird day with a few inches of new snow. Light swirling winds on the ridgelines before noon. Bigger gusts on our exit and sustained wind by the time we were driving away. Laurel Ridge is pretty well scoured with wind drifts and cornices building, and protected slopes near and below treeline had cold blower powder.

Snow Characteristics

New Snow Depth

New Snow Density

Low

Snow Surface Conditions

Powder

Snow Characteristics Comments

New snow varied in depth and likely has been well transported by now. I could feel the late-December crust pretty consistently, even in places with ~6in new snow accumulation.

Red Flags

Wind Loading

Red Flags Comments

We didn't find any cohesive wind slabs. Cornices are sharper and pillows bigger than they have been this season to date. Small point releases observed on TukNo.

Comments

Nice to ski some new snow. The wind will have its way.

Today's Observed Danger Rating

Moderate

Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating

Moderate

Coordinates

Observation: Laurel Highway

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