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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Very strong winds and significant snowfall have created dangerous avalanche conditions in the backcountry.

Theavalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE on steep slopes near and above treeline that face NW-N-NE-E. In these areas, recent and wind drifted snow have added stress to a buried persistent weak layer and human triggered avalanches are likely.

A MODERATE danger exists on all other aspects and elevations where human triggered avalanches involving slabs of recent and wind drifted snow are possible.

Look for signs of instability such as cracking in the snow surface, and avoid wind drifted slopes steeper than 30 degrees.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2

    Avalanches involving recent and wind drifted snow will be possible on all aspects today. I've lumped the two problems together as I think it will be hard to find unstable snow that hasn't been wind affected to some extent but storm slab avalanches may also be possible. The deepest and most dangerous drifts will be found on leeward slopes that face NW-N-NE-E-SE. In some cases these deeper drifts will form on top of weak snow that exists on northerly facing slopes. On these slopes any triggered wind drift can step down to the buried weak layer and cause a deeper and more dangerous avalanche.

    Backcountry travelers should avoid any wind drifted slopes that appear fat, pillowy, round, and smooth.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2

    A layer of weak, sugary, faceted snow formed on the surface of northerly facing slopes during a dry period earlier this month. It was subsequently buried by a foot of snow from the Valentine's Day storm. The distribution of this weak layer is somewhat spotty - meaning we are finding it on some slopes, and not on others. The only way to know where it exists for sure is to get out your shovel and dig. We have a fair amount of uncertainty as to how this weak layer will react to the new load, and how widespread the problem is. For now, all steep, north facing terrain should be considered dangerous with human triggered avalanches likely.

Special Announcement

Geyser Pass Road: Plow crews are headed up this morning but will do residential areas first. If they get to Geyser it will be this afternoon.

Grooming: All trails are covered in fresh snow today.

Recent Activity

No new avalanches have been reported. See the La Sal Avalanche database here.

Snow and Weather

6:00 a.m. Snow and Weather Data

24 Hour Snow 10" 72 Hour Snow 13" Season Total Snow 211" Base Depth at Gold Basin 78"

Winds on Pre Laurel Peak S 10-20 Temp 5 F

Weather

The storm has moved on and southerly winds have backed off into the 10-20 mph range. The next closed low system is currently dropping down the west coast. A series of shortwaves ahead of this system will bring periods of snow to the mountains through Friday and we could see another 4"-8". Look for snow showers to develop mid day along with increasing SW winds. We'll see a break on Saturday before the closed low moves through AZ on Sunday bringing another chance for snow. Unsettled weather and the promise for more snow continues next week.

General Conditions

Thestorm produced 13" of snow accompanied by very strong, southerly winds gusting to 70 mph. I don't have any reports from the backcountry yesterday but I think it's safe to say that the recent snow will be heavily drifted and wind affected in open areas, and that you'll want to seek out sheltered, low angle terrain today. All steep, wind drifted slopes should be considered dangerous until proven otherwise, especially slopes with a northerly component to their aspect. In these areas, fresh drifts have added stress to a variably distributed, persistent weak layer increasing the likelihood for deeper and more dangerous avalanches.

Snowpack and Weather Data

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.

Additional Info

Are you wondering how cell phones and other electronic devices can interfere with your avalanche transceiver? The "20/50 Rule" is that you want your beacon 20cm (8") away from other electronics while transmitting and 50cm (20") away from electronics while searching. Get the full scoop here.

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. This forecast will be updated by 7:30 tomorrow morning.

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