Moab

We are finally turning the corner toward generally stable snow conditions and most terrain offers LOW danger. An isolated or MODERATE avalanche danger remains in areas of steep, radical terrain on slopes facing NW-N-NE-E. Near treeline, a low probability/high consequence scenario exists for triggering an avalanche 2'-3' deep on a buried persistent weak layer. Above treeline, isolated, unstable wind slabs exist that could carry you over a cliff or rock band. And finally, as the day heats up, be on the lookout for signs of loose, wet instability such as rollerballs, pinwheels, and sloppy wet snow.

As we turn this corner into greater stability, continue to be mindful of terrain complexities such as steep convexities and blind break overs. Practice safe travel techniques and only expose one person to danger at a time.

We'd like to thank our incredible community for your support of the 2022 Spring Campaign. We raised $75,000 in two weeks to help grow our avalanche forecasting program. Thank You!

Road Conditions: The road is a mix of dirt and mud down low and a few inches of snow up high. It gets sloppier as the days warm up. All wheel drive and good tires are recommended.

Grooming: Trails into Gold Basin were groomed yesterday.

6:00 a.m. weather data:

24 Hour Snow 0" 72 Hour Snow 1" Base Depth at Gold Basin 57" Wind SW 15-20 Temp 22F

A few clouds are out this morning, temperatures are well below freezing, and SW winds are ramping up. Today, look for mostly sunny skies, breezy SW winds, and high temps up in the mid 40's. Clouds will develop tonight ahead of a weak system tracking to the north. Sunday will be mostly cloudy and breezy with a very slight chance for snow Sunday night. Dry conditions are on tap for the up coming week.

Snowpack

It was a stellar day in the mountains yesterday with clear skies, negligible wind, and good settled powder on a supportable base. In our travels we found generally stable snow conditions and people were pushing it into areas of large and steep terrain. The best snow exists on upper elevation, northerly aspects just below the main ridge lines. Solar aspects took on a lot of heat and will be crusted over but I think there will be a good chance for finding supportable corn snow on mid elevation S and W facing slopes. NW winds mid-week blew and drifted snow at the highest elevations, and surfaces up there are slightly scoured or crusted. If you are up in these areas, remain on the lookout for unstable drifts on the leeward sides of terrain features such as sub-ridges or gully walls, especially in consequential terrain where a triggered wind slab could carry you over a cliff.

The Jan-Feb persistent weak layer is still present though stability tests are consistently showing the layer to be non-reactive. I feel safe in saying that we have moved into a low probability, but nevertheless, high consequence scenario. The weakest snow exists right around treeline, and steep, complex, featured terrain in this zone is where you are most likely to find trouble.

Snow and Weather Links

Gold Basin SNOTEL site (10,000')

SNOTEL near Geyser Pass Trailhead (9600')

Storm Totals in Gold Basin

Wind Station on Pre Laurel Peak (11,700')

NWS Weather Forecast for the La Sal Mountains

Who's up for some free avalanche training? Get a refresher, become better prepared for an upcoming avalanche class, or just boost your skills. Go to https://learn.kbyg.org/ and scroll down to Step 2 for a series of interactive online avalanche courses produced by the UAC.

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.