Avalanche forecast

Moab

Utah Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 7 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Areas of CONSIDERABLE danger exist on above treeline slopes that face north through east. On these slopes, you can trigger large, destructive avalanches failing on a buried persistent weak layer. A MODERATE danger for this type of avalanche exists on all other northerly facing slopes near tree line and above. Travel advice is to stick to low-angle slopes to avoid this problem.

There is a MODERATE danger of triggering an avalanche in recent soft slabs and older hard slabs of wind-drifted snow. It is possible to trigger this type of avalanche on all aspects above treeline and on slopes that face northwest through southeast near treeline.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    3

    Poor snowpack structure remains, and it has proven capable of producing large, destructive human-triggered avalanches. Friday’s avalanche failed on the weak layer beneath the Christmas rain crust. In some locations, this crust may temporarily support the weight of a skier or rider, but its ability to bridge underlying weaknesses is highly variable and unreliable. The most dangerous slopes face north and east, especially those that harbor a more robust slab from previous wind loading.

    The snowpack will not offer much feedback today. Outward signs of instability have decreased, and snowpack tests are stubborn at best. These are challenging conditions to assess in the field, making it difficult to confidently move into steeper, consequential terrain. When the snowpack is confusing, terrain choice becomes critical—sticking to low-angle slopes remains the safest option for skiing and riding.

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2

    Today, you can expect both recently formed soft wind slabs and older, more cohesive hard slabs near and above treeline. Newer wind slabs are often sensitive and may be triggered remotely, while older, harder slabs tend to be stubborn and may not release until a rider is well onto the slab. Since Friday, winds have predominantly blown from the northwest and northeast—atypical directions that can create unusual and complex loading patterns. As a result, wind-drifted snow may be present on a wide range of aspects above treeline due to cross-loading. Pay close attention to and avoid wind drifts on gully walls, below cliff bands, along sub-ridges, and in terrain features such as scoops, saddles, and depressions.

    Any avalanche triggered in wind-drifted snow has the potential to step down to buried persistent weak layers, causing a deeper and more dangerous avalanche.

Special Announcement

Geyser Pass Road Conditions: The road was plowed on Friday.

Grooming: LUNA groomed all trails yesterday.

We are looking to reschedule our Moab Backcountry 101 Class to February 20, 21 in the hopes that we will have more snow. Click here for information and registration. Moab and Monticello locals can use the discount code MOAB-LOCAL for a 10% discount.

Recent Activity

A large snowmobile-triggered avalanche occurred on the East Face of Laurel Peak on Friday afternoon. Eric and I went up on Saturday to have a look. What we found is in the video below. A full accident report has been published here.

Also check out this incredible drone footage shot by pro observer Chris Benson who joined us up there Saturday.

Click here for the complete avalanche database.

Snow and Weather

24 Hour Snow: 0" 72 Hour Snow: 0" Season Total Snow: 36" Depth at Gold Basin: 23"

Winds on Pre-Laurel Peak: NNE 12 G20 Temp: 21° F

Weather

Under few to scattered high clouds, it is 21°F in Gold Basin this morning. Overnight, winds out of the north-northeast blew in the moderate range and have backed off to light this morning. Daytime highs will reach 31°F, winds will continue to blow from the north-northeast at 5 to 10 MPH, and skies will be clear. There is not much to talk about regarding the weather this week. Warm days, cool nights, and dry conditions continue through the seven-day forecast with high pressure remaining centered just to our west.

General Conditions

Sam and Mark were up yesterday and reported a mixed bag of conditions across all aspects and elevations. Thursday's storm dropped 4 to 6 inches of low-density snow, and they reported cold, fluffy powder remaining near treeline and below in protected areas. Sheltered slopes are definitely the name of the game as moderate to strong northerly winds have scoured above treeline slopes over the last few days. These same winds have been building slabs near treeline and above, and backcountry travelers will find both soft and hard slabs of wind-drifted snow today. Avalanches failing on a buried persistent weak layer remain a serious concern as the entire snowpack underneath is loose, weak, and faceted beneath the Christmas rain crust.

Snowpack and Weather Data

NEW! Gold Basin webcam storm stake

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.

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.

Regions covered