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Observation: Moab

Observation Date
1/26/2014
Observer Name
Mark Sevenoff
Region
Moab
Location Name or Route
Upper Gold Basin, Tuk summit & ridgeline into Talking Mtn. Cirque
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
North
Wind Speed
Calm
Weather Comments
Bluebird. 50F in town at 4,000' Maybe 30F up in Gold Basin. Due South, out of wind had some snow softening due to solar radiation
Snow Characteristics
Snow Characteristics Comments
Very mixed bag of crusts, facets, ankle top recrystalized powder and windpack
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Avalanche Problem #2
Problem
Wet Snow
Trend
Same
Problem #2 Comments
Above 35F on certain below treeline steep rolls, where it's full facets to the ground, loose snow slides are possible
Comments
Nice tour up in the high peaks before our weather starts to change back to winter
Nice tour up in the high peaks before our weather starts to change back to winter Even saw a genuine "mountaineer" going up the N. Face ridge to Tuk summit (between Red Snow & Middle Snow) cirques (see 1st photo)
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate