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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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

Today the avalanche danger is MODERATE. Human triggered avalanches are POSSIBLE in areas of wind drifted snow that exist near and above treeline on slopes that face NW-N-NE-E-SE. The greatest danger is predominantly found above treeline where drifts can be up to 2 feet deep. A layer of weak faceted snow exists on some slopes near treeline and above that face NW-N-NE-E. It is still POSSIBLE to trigger an avalanche breaking down to this weak layer, but the likelihood is decreasing.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2

    Your primary avalanche concern today is wind drifted snow that exists near treeline and above on slopes that face NW-N-NE-E-SE. Old hard slabs from strong Southerly winds earlier in the week still remain in alpine terrain. Older, hard wind slabs can be very stubborn. and may not release until you get well out on them. Hard drifts often produce hollow drum-like sounds when you walk on them.

    In addition to these lingering hard slabs, fresh slabs formed on Wednesday during the recent storm. Freshly formed wind slabs can be quite sensitive and are more easily triggered. You can recognize them by their smooth, round appearance. Drifted snow is stiffer and more compact than non drifted snow. You will often see clues like cracking in the snow surface when you step onto a recent wind drift.

    Large cornices above North facing terrain. These are obvious clues that this slope has seen significant wind loading.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    3

    On some northerly aspects, a weak layer of faceted snow exists about two feet down in the snowpack. This layer was buried on Valentine's Day, and we have not seen much activity associated with it. It is becoming less likely to trigger an avalanche on this layer, but the fact that it still exists warrants caution. The distribution of this layer is spotty. If you are thinking about skiing steep North facing terrain you need to get out your shovel and look for the faceted layer. If you get propagation with an Extended Column Test, I would back off to a lower angle slope or a different aspect.

Special Announcement

Geyser Pass Road: The road was plowed yesterday and is open

Grooming: Trails were last groomed on Saturday and will covered in fresh snow today.

To help you safely enjoy the backcountry, the UAC team is constantly evaluating and implementing new programs and technologies. Donate to the Spring Campaign to help our team implement innovative tools and better provide you with the information you rely on.

Recent Activity

Yesterday we came across one pocket of wind drifted snow that ran naturally. This shallow soft slab was on a steep (42 degrees) North facing slope at 9,400 ft. below Gold Knob.

See the La Sal avalanche database here.

Snow and Weather

6:00 a.m. Snow and Weather Data

24 Hour Snow 0" 72 Hour Snow 11" Season Total Snow 229" Base Depth at Gold Basin 87"

Winds on Pre Laurel Peak NW 15 G 21 Temp 3F

Weather

It is 8 degrees this morning in Gold Basin, and temperatures will warm up to about 18 degrees today. Skies will be partly to mostly cloudy and NW winds will blow 15-20 mph. Active and unsettled weather will affect points North of us for the long term period. Our region will not see much snowfall, but these disturbances will bring scattered clouds and wind to our zone. Winds will ramp up over the weekend and by Sunday gusts in the higher elevations could exceed 50 mph.

General Conditions

The skiing remains quite good. Today will be a good day to take advantage of the recent snow before the wind gets to it this weekend. In our travels yesterday we found heavy powder on top of a firm base on steep SW aspects. We also found soft cold powder on sheltered North facing slopes. Your primary avalanche concern today is wind drifted snow that formed earlier this week on Northerly aspects. In some cases, these slabs of wind drifted snow may be sitting on top of weak layers in the old snow.

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.

Additional Info

Are you wondering how cell phones and other electronic devices can interfere with your avalanche transceiver? The "20/50 Rule" is that you want your beacon 20cm (8") away from other electronics while transmitting and 50cm (20") away from electronics while searching. Get the full scoop here.

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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