Avalanche forecast

Moab

Utah Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The avalanche danger remains MODERATE on steep, wind drifted slopes right around treeline and above that face NW-N-E and human triggered avalanches up to a foot deep are possible.As new snow begins to accumulate later today, be on the lookout for shallow, fresh drifts to form in these same areas. A triggered wind slab also has the potential to step down into a buried persistent weak layerof loose, sugary, faceted snow causing a deeper and more dangerous avalanche.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Strong southerly winds have blown and drifted snow forming wind slabs on northerly aspects right around treeline and above. As new snow begins to accumulate be on the lookout for fresh drifts to form on the leeward sides of ridge crests and terrain features in upper elevation, wind exposed terrain. Avoid steep slopes that have a smooth, rounded appearance and look for signs of instability such as cracking in the snow surface. In some areas, a triggered wind slab could step down into a buried persistent weak layer causing a deeper and more dangerous avalanche.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2

    Recent and wind drifted snow has provided enough of a load to affect the layers of weak, sugary, faceted snow that comprises much of the snowpack. You are most likely to trigger an avalanche involving these persistent weak layers on steep, wind loaded, northerly facing slopes right around treeline. Shallow snowpack areas around rocks or along slope margins are likely trigger points.

Recent Activity

A party of tourers triggered a significant avalanche Saturday on a steep, NE aspect around 11,000' in upper Gold Basin. Though wind drifted snow was the primary problem, it did propagate into a layer of weak, faceted snow. Human triggered avalanches such as this remain possible today. Here is a report from Dave Garcia who spoke with the party involved.

Special Announcement

We know there is a lot of uncertainty regarding the Coronavirus, but the Utah Avalanche Center is planning to continue issuing regular avalanche forecasts into April.

Road Conditions: Some snow and ruts exist on the upper portion of the road. Dirt and mud below.

Grooming: Trails were last groomed on Saturday.

Snow and Weather

24 Hour Snow 0" Weekly Snow 7" Base Depth in Gold Basin 56" Wind SE 30-35 G50 Temp 25F

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.

Weather: Clouds are moving in and southerly winds are cranking as a low-pressure storm system moves into the region. There are some model discrepancies with this one and snow totals are uncertain but we should see showers develop this afternoon with 1"-3" possible. Southerly winds will continue to blow in the 20-30 mph range with gusts in the 40's. High temps will be in the low 30's. Snow should pick up tonight and linger through tomorrow. It looks like about 4"-8" when it's all said and down.

Snowpack: It's a mixed bag out there both above and below. The snow surface has a variety of conditions ranging from wind-scoured to sun crusted. Some soft snow remains in sheltered areas. Areas of wind drifted snow exist above treeline, primarily on northerly aspects and in some cases, these drifts are overlying weak, sugary, faceted snow. In shady, shallow snowpack areas, the underlying snowpack is comprised almost entirely of loose, facets.

General Announcements

Check out the avalanche beacon training park at the Geyser Pass Trailhead and practice your rescue skills!

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.

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