Lawinenlagebericht

Moab

Utah Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

  • Hochgebirge
  • Waldgrenze
  • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
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Veraltet — dieser Lagebericht ist 6 months ago abgelaufen. Du siehst vergangene Verhältnisse, nicht den aktuellen Bericht.

Kernpunkte

The avalanche danger is MODERATE on steep slopes near and above treeline that face NW–N–E. Hard slab, human-triggered avalanches 2–4 feet deep failing on a buried persistent weak layer remain POSSIBLE here. If released, they could step down to involve the entire season’s snowpack and bury you.

Although the odds of triggering an avalanche have decreased, the consequences remain the same. Personally, I'll be continuing to avoid steep, northerly aspects near and above treeline.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Loose Wet

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Possible
    Größe
    1

    Temperatures are forecast to increase to record-breaking highs throughout the week with strong sunshine. While the breeze may help keep snow surfaces cooler today, be aware of warming snow on slopes that face the sun. If you're seeing roller balls or pin wheels, wet loose slides are on the menu. These are most likely on steep slopes facing the sun, near rocks, and will increase in likelihood into the afternoon.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Possible
    Größe
    3

    It's been two weeks since the last significant storm and avalanche cycle. Our buried persistent weak layers (PWLs) are now more stubborn to trigger as they gain strength. While you likely won't see any red flags like cracking and collapsing, the snowpack structure is still poor. MODERATE danger with a PWL is a tricky place to be: possible avalanches are that are more than likely to kill you.

    On northerly aspects near and above treeline, thick hard slabs—2 to 4 feet deep—rest on top of these persistent weak layers. This is a highly unpredictable setup, and committing to steep slopes with this structure is a gamble. If triggered, avalanches could step down and take out the entire season’s snowpack.

    Thin, rocky areas, steep convex rollovers, and slab margins remain likely trigger points. When the payoff for riding steep terrain is minimal, it’s hard to justify the risk. Our approach continues to be simple: avoid steep slopes facing NW-N-E in this terrain altogether.

    Eric and I shot this video on Sunday where we found the weak layer to be gaining strength, but not yet stable.

Recent Activity

No recent avalanches have been observed. The avalanche database has been updated to include all observed avalanches from the last cycle. These are all great examples of the type of avalanche that are possible to trigger.

Snow and Weather

24 Hour Snow: 0" 72 Hour Snow: 0" Season Total Snow: 75" Depth at Gold Basin: 33"

Winds on Pre-Laurel Peak: SW 20-25 Temp: 26°F

Weather

Expect another sunny, breezy spring day. Under mostly sunny skies, winds will continue to blow 15-25 mph, gusting into the 40s. Mountain highs in the La Sals will reach the mid-40s F as more corn forms on solars.

General Conditions

The 5 inches of fresh snow that fell on Friday looked to be "winter's last gasp" as Eric put it, as we enter a hot and dry period with temperatures reaching near record-breaking highs this week. Eric and I made the most of it on Sunday in Middle Cirque, finding soft turns in fresh snow over a firm, supportable crust with mild wind effect up high. The new snow took some heat in recent days, and southerly slopes like those Dave and Travis skied on Saturday will have a melt-freeze crust this morning.

The greatest threat from avalanches continues to be on northerly aspects near and above treeline, where hard slabs exist over layers of weak, dry, faceted snow. While Eric and I found the weak layer to be gaining strength on Sunday, we concluded it was not stable yet. This is a notoriously unpredictable setup that offers little to no warning before failing. It’s a familiar pattern for seasoned La Sal skiers and riders. More details below.

Eric realizing that this could be the last time he skis cold, fresh snow in the La Sals this season.

See all Moab observations here.

Snowpack and Weather Data

NEW! Gold Basin webcam storm stake

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.

General Announcements

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.

Special Announcement

Geyser Pass Road Conditions: The road was not plowed after the last storm. Expect a little snow and ice up high, and muddy conditions as the day heats up.

Grooming: No grooming is scheduled. Expect a few inches of fresh snow on trails.

Mountain Film on Tour returns to Star Hall in Moab on Saturday, March 14. Tickets are available online and all proceeds benefit UAC Moab. Look forward to seeing you all there!

All four accident reports are completed from the deadly mid-February week in northern Utah. Our sincerest condolences to all of those affected.

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