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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Most terrain has generally LOW danger. A low probability but high consequence situation still exists for deep and dangerous, human triggered avalanches failing on a buried persistent weak layer on steep slopes facing N-E. In these areas, there is an isolated or MODERATE danger. You are most likely to find this problem in areas with very steep, rocky, radical terrain. Likely trigger points include steep convexities or shallow snowpack areas near rock outcroppings or sub ridges.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    2

    We have moved into a low probability - high consequence phase for triggering a deep and dangerous avalanche on a persistent weak layer of loose, sugary facets that formed in February. You are most likely to trigger an avalanche involving this persistent weak layer on steep, wind loaded, north through easterly facing slopes right around treeline, or in shallower, rocky areas in the alpine. Avoid likely trigger points such as steep convexities or thinner snowpack areas around rock outcroppings.

Special Announcement

This will be the last regularly scheduled forecast for the season. I will continue to update the snowpack summary through the end of the month as conditions warrant.

Recent Activity

Numerous loose wet avalanches have occurred during the week, primarily on westerly aspects.

Snow and Weather

24 Hour Snow T" Weekly Snow T" Base Depth in Gold Basin 63" Wind NW 20-25 G35 Temp 24F

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').

NWS weather forecast

Weather: A cold front out of the north will move southeasterly across the region today bringing clouds, cold temperatures, and a slight chance for precipitation this morning. We should see clearing skies later today with blustery NW winds, and high temps barely reaching 30 degrees. We'll remain under a cool, northwest flow through mid-week.

Snowpack: The snowpack is in a transition phase and it's a mixed bag of conditions out there. Corn snow has been developing on SE-S-W aspects, as well as in low angle northerlies that see a lot of direct sunshine. Cold temps over the next several days will put the corn harvest on hold however as the snow isn't likely to soften much. More sheltered, and steeper north-facing terrain is a mix of wind hammered, crusted, and heat-affected snow. In deeper areas, the snowpack is consolidating and has gained strength but there are still shallow areas where faceted snow from February can be found. You are most likely to find this weak snow on northerly aspects in areas of rocky, radical, more extreme terrain. It can also be found on shady aspects at lower elevations where it is extremely susceptible to daytime heating.

Additional Info

Information on outdoor recreation - The State of Utah created this webpage with information about recreating on both state and federal public lands during the current health crisis.

New to the backcountry (including riding at closed resorts) - Watch the award-winning, 15 minute Know Before You Go video, or take the 5-part, free online-learning series.

General Announcements

We've closed down the beacon park for the season. Thanks to volunteers Evan and Maureen Clapper for helping me with that!

This forecast is from the U.S. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This forecast describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.

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