Avalanche: Moab

On our drive up to Geyser Pass this morning (1/24) we observed what appeared to be a natural release and crown in lower Corkscrew Glades. Through binoculars we were able to see that a large portion of the lowest open pocket (talus moraine) had slid. At the end of the day we stopped to look through the binocs more and also observed an approximately 3-5 ft crown in one of the uppermost open pockets where we sometimes ski. It was difficult to tell if the upper slide had propagated into areas of the loosely spaced trees below on a slope of around 35-40 degrees.

It's also worth noting that we observed several other natural releases on similar aspects and elevations in the Exxon's Folley and Gravel Pit Lanes areas. The skier's left side of the Funnel is also loaded up with a visibly thick wind slab that looks very touchy. Although Corkscrew is a tempting area in all of the new snow, I would steer clear until the snowpack has had plenty of time to settle and no additional loading.

Unfortunately I do not have a good zoom lens that could capture an adequate photo of the slides, but if you look over toward Corkscrew on your drive up Geyser Pass road, you will see the crowns.

Stay safe out there!