Moab

There is a MODERATE danger forhuman triggered avalanches involving unstable slabs of wind drifted on all aspects near treeline and above. The danger is most pronounced on slopes that face NW-NE-SE, but isolated drifting may be found on slopes with a southerly aspect. Avoid steep slopes that have more than about 8" of recently deposited, wind drifted snow.

Cornices are becoming very large in some areas. Increased wind loading will make them more sensitive so give them a wide berth.

Geyser Pass Road: The road is open. Expect to find a few inches of fresh snow and some drifting in areas. 4x4 recommended.

Grooming: Trails were last groomed on Saturday.

On Monday, March 27, two snowmobilers were riding in the Oquirrh Mountains. One was caught, carried, and fully buried in a very large avalanche. His partner, friends and family, Utah County Search and Rescue, Utah Department of Public Safety, and LifeFlight participated in the rescue, but he sadly did not survive. The preliminary avalanche report can be found HERE.

Our sincerest condolences go out to everyone affected by this tragic avalanche.

Taylor Martin reported a natural cornice fall that triggered an avalanche in Red Snow Cirque on Tuesday. Cornice fall remains an issue.

See the complete La Sal avalanche database here.

6:00 a.m. Snow and Weather Data

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

Temp 15° F Winds on Pre-Laurel Peak: WSW 13 G 22

Weather

The storm has moved on to the east. Today look for gradually clearing skies, breezy, westerly winds blowing in the 20-25 mph range, and high temperatures in the upper 20's at 10,000'. A warm, dry, and windy weekend is in store with temperatures climbing into the upper 30's on Saturday, and low 40's on Sunday. Get it while you can as cold air and stormy weather returns on Monday.

General Conditions

Things got pretty wild out there yesterday with periods of heavy snowfall and sustained SW winds blowing 30-40 mph with gusts in the 50's. State Parks Ranger, Jeff Arbon and I took a trip up to the Bald Mesa/Warner Lake area where we experienced periods of full whiteout conditions. Brief periods of clearing revealed plumes of blowing snow off the high peaks, while powder conditions were quite good in sheltered terrain. Peak instability likely occurred sometime late yesterday afternoon, but with limited snow and water weight (4"-7" at around 0.5" of SWE) I don't suspect much activity beyond some possible shallow, wind slab releases. You can still trigger a slab of drifted snow today on slopes steeper than about 35 degrees that show signs of recent wind loading. Suspect slopes that have more than about 8" of drifted snow.

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.

Dynamic weather day! Blowing snow mixed with clouds on the high north faces.

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.