Moab

Heightened avalanche conditions exist on slopes that have a thick, cohesive slab overlying weak, faceted snow. The overall danger is MODERATE for avalanches failing on persistent weak layers. You are most likely to encounter this problem above treeline on slopes that face W-N-E-SE, but slabs formed by blowing and drifting snow have penetrated some near treeline terrain on slopes that face W-N-E. It's still low tide out there and rocks, stumps, and logs are lurking just beneath the surface.

Geyser Pass Road: Expect slick conditions on a hard, snowpacked and icy surface. AWD with good tires required.

Grooming Conditions: Gavin groomed up and over Geyser Pass on Monday. There is no classic track set, but according to one nordic enthusiast the corduroy is "as good as it gets for skating."

Now is a great time to dial in your safety gear including putting fresh new batteries in your beacons! Local shops across the state will be handing out free Batteries for Beacons now until February 1, 2025. All you need to do is fill out a quick survey and grab the AAA or AA batteries you need to keep your beacon fresh this season. Head into Moab Gear Trader to get yours!

See the avalanche database here.

There was a fatal avalanche accident in Porter Fork of the Wasatch Range that occurred on Saturday. Weak sugary faceted snow from earlier in the season was what made the avalanche release. Details here.

There was a second fatal avalanche accident in Silver Fork of the Wasatch Range on Tuesday. Old buried faceted snow was the weak layer in this avalanche also. Details here.

6 A.M. Snow and Weather Data

24 Hour Snow: 0" 72 Hour Snow: 0" Season Total Snow: 52" Depth at Gold Basin: 28"

Winds on Pre-Laurel Peak: W 9 G 15 Temp: 9° F Percent of Normal (SWE): 104%

Weather

Under cloudy skies, it is 9 degrees in Gold Basin this morning. Cloud cover will slowly clear and give way to mostly sunny skies. High temperatures will reach 24 degrees. Winds will be out of the West at 5-15 MPH. Overnight lows will be 15 degrees. A gradual warming trend will finish out the week and sunny skies dominate. On Saturday we may see a chance for light snow, but as of now it doesn't look like much accumulation.

General Conditions

Last week's storm dropped 7-10 inches of snow and really helped improve skiing and riding conditions. Unfortunately, strong winds over the weekend have diminished the quality in exposed terrain. Open slopes are wind-affected and variable. Some open slopes still have soft powder, but the best skiing remains on sheltered slopes in the trees. Read a detailed report of my travels from yesterday here.

As you travel through the backcountry today, be on the lookout for thick, cohesive slabs of snow sitting above weak faceted snow that was previously the old snow surface. These slabs formed by blowing and drifting snow exist on some near treeline terrain, but are not widespread. Slopes near treeline should be evaluated individually before committing to anything steeper than 30 degrees. You are most likely to encounter avalanche problems above treeline where slab formation is more widespread, especially on slopes with a Northerly component to their aspect.

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.