Moab

Thursday's storm brought 10" of new snow to the mountains and the weekend saw nothing short of a powder frenzy. Sunny skies and warmer temps on Sunday saw an increase in danger for loose wet avalanches, but the real story is the wind. Starting yesterday afternoon, moderate WSW winds shifted to WNW by evening averaging 25 mph and gusting to 40. This has put an end to powder conditions on the high north faces and created a danger for unstable deposits of wind drifted snow. Cross loading on north-facing terrain will be a factor, especially on slopes with an easterly component, and fresh drifts will be found on the leeward sides of ridge crests and terrain features such as gully walls and sub-ridges in all upper elevation, wind exposed terrain. For a list of the most recent observations go here.

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. We will also continue to publish current observations. 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!

Weekend powder frenzy on Mount Tukuhnikivatz with human-triggered, loose, dry avalanches in the recent snow. Dave Garcia photo.

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.