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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago.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

A MODERATE avalanchedanger exists on steep northerly facing slopes where isolated wind drifts or shallow soft slabs are overlying layers of weak, sugary, faceted snow. Overall low coverage makes it very difficult to access avalanche terrain at this time, but if you find yourself in these areas, suspect slopes that have smooth, rounded deposits of wind drifted snow. or that feel hollow underneath. Cracking, whumphing, or collapsing of the snowpack are signs of instability. Even a small avalanche triggered under these conditions can have serious and painful consequences.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    On mid and upper elevation northerly aspects, the snowpack has deteriorated into layers of weak, sugary, faceted snow on top of a slick, hard bed surface. In exposed areas, stiff wind drifts exist on top of this weak snow, while in other areas, a shallow, soft slab has formed. Avoid steep terrain that has a smooth, rounded appearance, or that feels hollow underneath. Cracking, whumphing, or collapsing of the snowpack are signs of instability.

Special Announcement

The Geyser Pass Road above the winter trailhead has officially closed to wheeled vehicles for the season. This closure is in effect from Dec 15 - May 15. The road to the trailhead is snowpacked and slick. 4wd is recommended.

The Lower Utah Nordic Alliance (LUNA) last groomed trails on Sunday.

Please visit this website with information about Responsible Winter Recreation by the Utah Office of Outdoor Recreation.

We've kicked off Season 4 of the UAC podcast with a Conversation with American Avalanche Institute owner Sarah Carpenter. You can stream it HERE or wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

Recent Activity

Dustin Randall from ROAM Industry down in Monticello sent in this photo of a remotely triggered avalanche on a steep, northerly facing slope near 11,000' in the Abajos. This is exactly the type of setup we are concerned with right now. In spite of the low snow conditions, the existing, underlying snow is very weak, and anywhere that a slab exists on top, is primed and ready for an avalanche.

Snow and Weather

24 Hour Snow 2" 72 Hour Snow 2" Base Depth in Gold Basin 20" Wind NW 10-15 Temp 2F

Storm totals at the Gold Basin Study Plot (10,000')

Wind, temperature, humidity on Pre Laurel Peak (11,700')

Snotel site near Geyser Pass Trailhead (9600').

NWS weather forecast

Snowpack Discussion

Overall coverage is still too thin for skiing and riding off of packed roads. Snow depths range from about 6" near the Geyser Pass Trailhead with up to 2' at upper elevations. The current snowpack structure is very poor. In some areas, a shallow, soft slab has developed on top of the weak snow, and signs of instability such as collapsing and whumphing are being experienced. This setup does not bode well for any future snowload.

Additional Info

I don't need to tell everyone things aren't looking good but in case you want to know how bad it is, we are currently at 17% of normal snowpack.

General Announcements

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.

Regions covered