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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Areas of CONSIDERABLE dangerexist on steep, wind drifted, slopes above treeline that face NW-N-NE-E-SE. A MODERATE danger exists on all other aspects and elevations with an increasing danger on slopes facing the north half of the compass.

Unusual conditions exist for this time of year and there remains a high likelihood for human triggered avalanches in upper alpine terrain. Incorporate this into your travel plans and make decisions accordingly.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2

    Recent, low density now has been actively transported by westerly winds over the past few days, and fresh slabs of wind drifted snow can be found on leeward aspects, primarily on slopes facing NW-NE-SE, with the greatest danger existing above treeline. Older slabs of wind drifted snow that formed on Wednesday remain a concern and they are now covered by fresh drifts. They are most problematic on steep northerly aspects above treeline, and human triggered avalanches up to 3' deep are possible in these areas. Continue to avoid, steep, wind drifted, northerly facing slopes, especially in the high alpine.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2

    In their travels yesterday, Dave Garcia and company observed a poor bond within the most recent storm snow but noted that overall, it hadn't formed a cohesive slab except where it had been affected by wind. Dry loose avalanches in the most recent snow are possible in steep terrain. Storm slabs that formed last week have gained strength, but in some areas the glue may not yet be dry so to speak. We're also getting reports of collapsing in lower elevations as the shallower snowpack adjusts to the recent load. Bottom line is that it's not green light out there, and human triggered avalanches involving the past week's accumulated storm snow remain possible on all aspects.

Special Announcement

Geyser Pass Road: The road is plowed and open. Surface is snowpacked and soft in areas. AWD and good tires are required.

Grooming: Gavin had the snowcat out yesterday and trails are groomed!

Recent Activity

A skier triggered an avalanche in the Abajo Mountains on Friday that was definitely large enough to bury him.

More reports of avalanche activity during the week continue to come in. View the La Sal avalanche database here.

Snow and Weather

6:00 a.m. Snow and Weather Data

24 Hour Snow 0" 72 Hour Snow 8" Season Total Snow 288" Base Depth at Gold Basin 103"

Winds on Pre-Laurel Peak: SW 6-12 Temp 1˚ F

Weather

Marchuary continues with bitter cold temperatures in the single digits to near zero this morning. Look for gathering clouds and a slight chance for snow this afternoon as a shortwave trough moves through the region. High temps will creep up into the mid-teens, and SW winds should be mostly light. We'll see a good chance for a few inches of snow tonight. Skies clear on Monday and temps remain frigid. Short lived high pressure builds on Tues before the next Pacific storm system deepens off the west coast on Wed.

General Conditions

I was down in the Abajos yesterday investigating a round of avalanche activity that occurred during this week's storm cycle. Things are a bit more tenuous down there and activity has been impressive. Up here in the La Sals, things were active last week, but not on the scale. Conditions are unusual for this time of year. With continued stormy weather and cold temperatures, we've only seen but one narrow window for riding big lines this month, and no one I know is currently considering large alpine objectives. Forecaster Dave Garcia and company were up in Gold Basin yesterday and they reported active wind loading, poorly bonded new snow, and fat looking drifted slopes from earlier in the week. Pro observer Travis Nauman was up in the north group where he observed more avalanche activity from mid week, some triggered by cornice fall. Unstable slabs of wind drifted snow remain the primary concern, and you are most likely to find them on northerly aspects. Storm slab instabilities from last week have largely settled out but we're getting some reports of collapsing, particularly at lower elevations. The bottom line is that it's not green light conditions out there anywhere, and a high likelihood remains for human triggered avalanches on wind drifted slopes in the alpine. That said, turning and riding conditions are great and you don't need steep terrain to enjoy them!

Check out Dave's video on assessing recent snow instabilities.

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.

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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