Moab

Look for a rise in avalanche danger over the weekend from blowing and drifting and snow. The avalanche danger is generally LOW this morning and mostly stable snow conditions exist. Watch for an increase in danger as a long-duration storm system spreads into our area later today. New snow amounts and wind will dictate the rise in danger, and we could start to see sensitive wind drifts and a MODERATE avalanche danger developing by tomorrow. Look for fresh drifts to form on the lee sides of ridge crests and terrain features in upper elevation, wind exposed terrain. Be alert to signs of instability such as cracking in the snow surface. It may also be possible to trigger an avalanche on a buried persistent weak layer on steep, rocky, northerly facing terrain.

The avalanche beacon tester is up and running at the Geyser Pass trailhead! Walk or ride past the sign on your way up - a red X means your beacon is off or not functioning, a green O means you're good to go! Thanks to UAC volunteer and supporter Kristi Jensen from Coyote Shuttle for helping me get it set up!

Road Conditions: The road is snow packed and slick but passable to all-wheel drive vehicles with good tires.

Grooming update: Matt rolled and packed into Gold Basin on Sunday. Conditions are good for classic cross country but a bit rugged for skate skiing. I'll be picking up the other machine next week and we'll be able to start running the Ginzu groomer.

A few clouds have gathered over the mountains and NW winds are on the increase averaging 20-25 mph along ridge tops. Mountain temps are in the high teens to low 20's. A long-duration storm event has begun to affect the region with most of the energy currently focused on the northern and central mountains. It looks like we will largely be left out of the party but we should see some accumulating snow Sat night into Sun with 3"-5" likely. Today look for increasing clouds and NW winds with a chance of snow later in the day. High temps will be in the upper 20's. Winds will shift to the SW tonight and snow showers are likely with 1"-3" possible. Snow showers and blustery westerly winds are on tap for Saturday with another 1"-3" possible during the day.

Coverage ranges from 2'-4' deep above 10,000' and the base is mostly supportable. Snow conditions remain decent in sheltered areas while sun and wind crusts have formed on exposed slopes.

Colin Vogel has been out getting after it the past couple of days. See his reports on the Moab observation page.

Looking good for this time of year but it's time for more snow! Brian Hays photo.

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

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

Snotel site near Geyser Pass Trailhead (9600').

NWS weather forecast.

The first UAC podcast of the season " Early Season Essentials with Program Director Bo Torrey" check it out HERE.

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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.