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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Blowing and drifting of the new snow has created a MODERATE avalanche danger in wind-exposed terrain primarily on slopes facing NW-N-SE. You are most likely to encounter this problem on open scree slopes right around treeline and above that had about a foot or more of pre-existing snow. You may also encounter loose, deep sloughs within the new snow. Look for areas of wind drifted snow on the leeward sides of ridge crests and terrain features such as gully walls and sub ridges. Most of this terrain will be difficult to access due to overall low snow coverage, but if you managed to trigger a pocket of wind drifted snow, a ride over rocks, sticks, or even the ground would be rough. With a powerful storm on tap for the holiday expect the danger to rise over the next several days!

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2

    Look for areas of blown and drifted snow in wind-exposed terrain primarily on slopes facing NW-N-SE. You are most likely to encounter this problem on open, poorly anchored scree slopes right around treeline and above. Look for areas of wind drifted snow on the leeward sides of ridge crests and terrain features such ss gully walls and sub ridges. Most of this terrain will be difficult to access due to overall low snow coverage, but if you managed to trigger a pocket of wind drifted snow, a ride over rocks, sticks, or even the ground would be rough.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    2

    With two feet or more of new snow, we may see some loose snow sluffing on poorly anchored slopes that had pre-existing snow of more than about a foot deep. Again, most of this terrain will be difficult to access.

Special Announcement

Grand County will not get to the trailhead today. Expect to find deep and drifted snow on the road. Only the very intrepid with 4x4, chains, and high clearance will have a shot at making it. They do plan to go up tomorrow. Check tomorrow's forecast for details.

The First Annual Avalanche Awareness Week is December 2-7 We have a week full of fun and educational events planned. Check out the schedule here.

The annual free Know Before You Go avalanche awareness talk will be held at the Grand County Library on Thursday, Dec 5 at 6:00 p.m. Hope to see you there!

Snow and Weather

Well if that wasn't a surprise! Up to 2' of low-density snow, accompanied by moderate WNW winds, has fallen at the Geyser Pass Trailhead and I think we are the big winners in the state. The existing "base" is only 6"-12" deep, and the new, fluffy powder will barely cover the rocks, sticks, and stumps. If you have a hankering to sample the new snow, I'd recommend sticking to the roads for now. If the Thanksgiving storm produces as well as it looks, It will be a cautious game on by the weekend!

Today will truly feel like winter out there with lingering snow showers, frigid NW winds blowing in the 15-20 mph range, and high temps in the low teens! We'll see gradually drying and clearing, but windy conditions through tomorrow before the next event slides in late Wed night on a strong SW flow.

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').

Regions covered