Moab

The avalanche danger is generally LOW and human triggered avalanches are unlikely. Low danger doesn't mean no danger and mountain travel in winter nearly always retains some risk for avalanches. Northerly facing slopes carry the highest risk. Near treeline, isolated slabs of drifted snow remain over weak facted layers. Minimize your risk by continuing to avoid natural trigger points such as steep convexities, and very steep, rocky, radical terrain. Small, loose, dry avalanches are possible on very steep, sheltered, northerly facing terrain below treeline. Although not large enough to bury you, they could sweep you off your feet and take you for a ride.

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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.

Urgent battery replacement required for anyone who received batteries from one of our participating "Batteries for Beacons" shops. Please review the "Batteries for Beacons" replacement notice on our blog. Batteries distributed through our "Batteries for Beacons" program this year have shown to be inadequate length.

Geyser Pass Road: Surface is mainly snowpacked and icy above and bare dirt down low. AWD with good tires recommended.

Grooming Conditions: LUNA is unfortunately experiencing a lack of available groomers this season and trails have not been groomed for more than a week.

See the avalanche database here.

6 A.M. Snow and Weather Data

24 Hour Snow: 0" 72 Hour Snow: 0" Season Total Snow: 63" Depth at Gold Basin: 29"

Winds on Pre-Laurel Peak: SE 15-20 G 26 Temp: 20° F Percent of Normal (SWE): 79%

Weather

Look for mostly sunny skies this morning with increasing clouds later today as a closed low approaches the Four Corners. Winds will be mostly light to moderate from the southeast with higher speeds along ridge tops. High temperatures at 10,000' will be around 30°F. A chance for snow develops tonight and lasting through Thursday as the low pressure system stalls out over the region. In spite of the long duration, we aren't likely to see much from this. High pressure and warmer temperatures return for the weekend. The long range Kool-Aid is already being diluted, and it looks like we'll be at least a week into February before we get another chance for snow.

General Conditions

The current snowpack is weak and faceted, variable in depth, and contains a smattering of old, hard wind slabs. Above treeline, the snow surface has been severely affected by the wind and many slopes are scoured down to the rocks. On shady slopes below treeline the snowpack is entirely faceted and has lost all cohesion. Small, loose, dry, "facet-lanches" are possible to likely on very steep slopes. The good news is, there is still enough snow for travel and we'll be back in business if the pattern ever changes. The bad news is, conditions will quickly become dangerous again when new snow finally comes.

General conditions above treeline:

Small, loose, "facet-lanche" on a steep gully wall below treeline:

Snowpack and Weather Data

Snowpack Observations

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.