Moab

The first storm in weeks looks like it could produce up to 6" of snow along with moderate to strong ridgetop winds. Depending on amounts, blowing and drifting snow could create our first avalanche concerns of the season, particularly at upper elevations where fresh drifts will overly a layer of, weak, sugary, faceted snow on northerly aspects.

Snow cover is currently limited to northerly facing, shady slopes above about 9500' and depths range from a few inches to 18" or more at the highest elevation. All sun-exposed slopes are bare. Travel off of snow-packed roads is not recommended. If for some reason, however, you find yourself in upper elevation, northerly facing terrain, be alert to signs of increasing avalanche danger as a result of blowing and drifting snow. Be aware of smooth, rounded pillow-like deposits, and look for signs of instability such as cracking in the snow surface.

This week is the 2nd Annual Avalanche Awareness Week. We will be hosting avalanche awareness and education events across the state of Utah. Get a full schedule of events here.

The first storm in weeks is at our doorstep and we could see 6" of snow out of this. Southwest winds today will blow in the 20-30 mph range along ridgetops, before shifting to northerly later in the day as the storm exits the region later today. High temperatures will be in the low 20's. Current snow cover is very thin to non-existent, and is currently limited to northerly facing slopes above about 9500''. Depths range from a few inches up to 18" or more at upper elevations. Travel off of snowpacked roads is not recommended.

Upper Dark Canyon on Dec 6. Photo by Aaron Kawcak.

Storm totals at the Gold Basin Study Plot (10,000')

Wind, temperature, humidity on Pre Laurel Peak (11,700')

Snotel site near Geyser Pass Trailhead (9600').

NWS weather forecast

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