Moab

The overall danger is LOW and human-triggered avalanches are unlikely. Small avalanches remain possible in isolated areas or extreme terrain.

Check out the latest edition of the UAC podcast with Moab forecaster Dave Garcia where he talks about the challenges of forecasting for our remote and isolated range with limited information.

Geyser Pass Road: Surface is mainly snowpacked and icy above and bare dirt down low. AWD with good tires recommended.

Grooming Conditions: MLSNFRecreation Program Manager Brian Murdock groomed all trails on Wednesday.

See the avalanche database here.

6 A.M. Snow and Weather Data

24 Hour Snow: 0" 72 Hour Snow: 0" Season Total Snow: 63" Depth at Gold Basin: 27"

Winds on Pre-Laurel Peak: WNW 5-10 Temp: 22° F Percent of Normal (SWE): 69%

Weather

The relentless southwest winds finally backed off around 1:00 a.m. and shifted to the WNW in the wake of a powerful storm system that left 12 to 18 inches of snow in the Wasatch and Uinta Mountains. At least it's snowing somewhere. The passing cold front caused temperatures to plummet into the lower 20's, a welcome return to below freezing temperatures. Under mostly sunny skies, they'll rise into the upper 20's today. Sunday looks mostly sunny and cool as well. An unsettled pattern is currently in store for the week and at the risk of jinxing it, possibly a significant storm developing on Thursday.

General Conditions

Almost a week of strong southerly winds and warm temperatures have really taken a toll on what was already a meager snowpack. The snow surface is highly variable with many south facing slopes melted off. Shady slopes below treeline lack structure and consist entirely of weak, faceted snow. Above treeline, winds have scoured and hardened the snow surface, and a variety of textures exist. Human triggered avalanches are unlikely.

Snowpack and Weather Data

Snowpack Observations

Gold Basin Storm Stake (10,000')

Gold Basin SNOTEL site (10,000')

SNOTEL site near Geyser Pass Winter Trailhead (9600')

Wind Station on Pre-Laurel Peak (11,400')

NWS forecast for the La Sal Mountains.

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This forecast is from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This forecast describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.