Moab

The avalanche danger is MODERATE and human triggered avalanches are possible on all aspects and elevations today.

On steep, north through easterly aspects near treeline and above, avalanches involving slabs of wind drifted snow are possible. Look for areas of drifted snow on the leeward sides of ridge crests and terrain features. Even a small wind slab avalanche can be dire in consequential terrain.

On south through west facing slopes, and on low elevation northerly aspects, the danger for loose wet avalanches will rise as the day heats up. Signs of instability include rollerballs, pinwheels, and sloppy wet snow. Stay off of, and out from under steep slopes where these signs are present.

Cornices are becoming very large in some areas and rapid warming today may jar some loose. Give them a wide berth and stay out from under them.

Geyser Pass Road: The road is open. Surface is snowpacked and soft near the top. Warm temps today will make it a sloppy mess on the lower end. 4x4 recommended.

Grooming: The Forest Service groomed into Gold Basin yesterday.

No recent avalanches have been reported. See the La Sal avalanche database here.

6:00 a.m. Snow and Weather Data

24 Hour Snow 0" 72 Hour Snow 7" Season Total Snow 301" Base Depth at Gold Basin 110"

Temp 15° F Winds on Pre-Laurel Peak: S 13 G 20

Weather

A dose of Spring is on tap for the weekend before winter returns early in the week. Today look for sunny skies, high temps in the upper 30's, and breezy SW winds increasing to 20-25 mph this afternoon. More of the same is in store for tomorrow with high temps around 40 degrees. Monday will see very high winds ahead of a low pressure system dropping in from the Pacific NW. The bulk of this system will impact areas to the north, but we should see snow Monday night into Tuesday, with unseasonably cool and unsettled weather through the week.

General Conditions

Thursday's storm event freshened things up nicely and we found good turning and riding on our tour into Gold Basin yesterday. Above treeline, south and west facing terrain is pretty wind blasted and ridge crests are scoured. Below treeline, those same aspects took on some sun yesterday, and many will be lightly crusted this morning. North facing slopes offer the best snow, but this is also where the wind has drifted it into slabs 8"-18" deep. We didn't find the problem to be very widespread, but there are plenty of fat, pillowy looking areas out there. I suspect many folks will be setting their sights on the high peaks this weekend. If you venture into high, alpine terrain, be sure you know how to identify and avoid unstable areas of wind drifted snow where even a small avalanche could have serious consequences.

As the day heats up, the recent snow will be at it's most vulnerable for loose, wet avalanches. Signs of instability include rollerballs, pinwheels, and sloppy wet snow. Stay off of, and out from under steep slopes where these signs are present.

And finally, cornices have grown huge in some areas and are teetering on the edge. Give them a wide berth as we have at least one report of one breaking off and triggering an avalanche.

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.

Sorry bikers, it's going to be awhile!

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.