Moab

Winter has returned with an overproducing storm that brought 10" or more of new snow to the mountains. This is enough snow to create new snow avalanche problems. Human-triggered loose snow sluffs and cohesive soft slabs will be likely on steep slopes on all aspects today. Approach steep terrain with caution and utilize test slopes to see how the snow is behaving. Look for signs of instability such as cracking in the snow surface or fracturing soft slabs up to a foot deep. Northerly winds should remain mostly light today but will be on the increase tomorrow. Blowing and drifting of the new snow will cause the avalanche danger to increase. If you had your sights set on a large objective this weekend you should dial back your expectations.

We're through issuing regular forecasts for the season but will update through the month with a general conditions report as significant weather conditions dictate. I would like to give a huge shout out to all who supported operations this season. This includes everyone who regularly used the forecast to stay safe; our local business sponsors Moab Gear Trader, Talking Mountain Yurts, and ROAM Industry; Black Diamond Equipment, Outdoor Research, Voile, and Arva for setting us up with the gear we need to do our job; the Manti-La Sal National Forest for their tremendous support of this program; and last but not least, our great local community and crew of dedicated observers who provide vital information and assistance throughout the season. Thanks everyone, see you next winter!

Get real-time weather data from these links:

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

SNOTEL site near Geyser Pass Trailhead (9600')

Storm totals and temperatures at the Gold Basin study plot (10,000')

NWS Weather Forecast

It's a wrap! See you next winter!

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.