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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The avalanche danger is MODERATE on mid and upper elevation steep slopes that face NW-N-E, and human triggered avalanches breaking down into buried, persistent weak layers are still possible in these areas. The danger increases with elevation, and there is also a danger for triggering stiff slabs of recently deposited, wind drifted snow on slopes that face N-E-SE. Most S-SW facing terrain, and lower elevations have generally LOW danger.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    3

    Time heals, but persistent weak layers of loose, sugary, faceted snow remain in the snowpack. A layer of facets above a melt freeze crust is currently our most problematic weak layer, with snow from the 1st of December forming a cohesive slab on top. Faceted snow also exists below the crust, and in areas where the snowpack is shallow, faceted snow exists all the way to the ground. Stability tests show these layer to be less reactive and therefore trending toward a state of dormancy. I was however, still able to cause numerous, isolated collapses yesterday. This tells me that the snowpack is still unable to support my weight in many areas, and that is therefore still possible to trigger an avalanche. All you need to do is find the right trigger point in a rocky, shallow area, or above a hidden bush, and you could trigger an avalanche 2'-4' deep.

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2

    Wednesday's wind event created stiff slabs of wind drifted snow in the upper elevations, primarily on slopes with an easterly component. They'll be stubborn today, but a triggered wind slab has the potential to break down into buried, persistent weak layers causing a deep and dangerous avalanche. Avoid steep slopes and areas such as cross-loaded gullies that have a smooth rounded appearance, or where the snow feels hollow underneath.

Special Announcement

Grand County Search and Rescue will be conducting winter training at the Geyser Pass Trailhead today.

Check out the new free online avalanche course series developed by the Utah Avalanche Center. This is a great way to refresh your skills or prepare you for a Backcountry 101 or Level 1 class.

Recent Activity

In my travels Thursday I observed a few natural avalanches from the previous day's WNW wind event. Initiating from wind drifted snow, they appeared to have broken down into old weak layers with fractures 2'-3' deep, and up to 50' wide. These all occurred on E-NE facing slopes in the highest elevations.

Snow and Weather

High clouds remain over the area, and SW winds have been on the increase overnight averaging 20 mph with gusts to 30 along ridge tops. It's a warm 30 degrees at the Geyser Pass Trailhead. Today look for partly cloudy skies, decreasing winds, with temperatures climbing into the mid 30's. High pressure builds for the weekend with nothing on the horizon.

Wednesday's wind event put the final hurt on exposed snow surfaces and you'll have to work hard to find soft snow in sheltered locations. Low snow conditions still prevail as well with rocks and deadfall lurking just beneath the surface so be careful out there. Base depth in Gold Basin is 30".

Chris Benson was out flying around on Wednesday and sent in this aerial observation. Thanks Chris!

A view of the North Group looking south. Chris Benson photo.

New snow totals in Gold Basin (10,000')

Snow totals at the Geyser Pass Trailhead (9600')

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

National Weather Service point forecast.

Additional Info

Volunteers from LUNA have been out grooming regularly and there is plenty of snow for Nordic skiing. With the current overall snow conditions, and warm sunny weather, this could be the best game in town for winter mountain enthusiasts!

Regions covered