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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Heavy snowfall accompanied by strong winds have created dangerous avalanche conditions! The avalanche danger is HIGH today on steep, upper elevation, wind drifted slopes that face primarily NW-N-E. The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE on steep slopes at mid and upper elevations on all aspects where human triggered avalanches involving the most recent storm snow are likely. Backcountry travelers need to possess excellent route finding skills. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2

    Human-triggered avalanches within the deep, new snow will be likely today on steep slopes on all aspects. Avalanches could fail on a density change or weak layer within the new snow or at the old snow interface, and they will be possible even on slopes that were bare before the storm. Natural avalanches within the storm snow occur during the period of greatest snowfall intensity, but storm snow avalanches can be sensitive to the weight of a skier or rider for a few days after a storm. Avoid steep slopes today and give the new snow time to stabilize.

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    2

    Strong winds and heavy snowfall over the past few days have created deep and dangerous drifts of unstable snow, primarily on slopes facing W-N-E. Drifts are recognizable by their smooth rounded appearance, and they will be liberally distributed over the landscape today. Avoid steep slopes with recent deposits of wind drifted snow.

Special Announcement

The road will likely be impassable today due to deep and drifted snow.

The First Annual Avalanche Awareness Week is December 2-7 We have a week full of fun and educational events planned. Check out the schedule here.

The annual free Know Before You Go avalanche awareness talk will be held at the Grand County Library on Thursday, Dec 5 at 6:00 p.m. Hope to see you there!

Snow and Weather

A minor miracle seems to have occurred last night. I went to bed thinking the storm had wrapped up at 15" and then right around 11:00 p.m. it started getting after it, with periods of intense snowfall up to 4" an hour. We picked up another 18" bringing the total since Wed up to 33"! Winds throughout the storm event have blown in the 30-35 mph range with gusts into the 50's, first from the SE, then shifting to SW before coming around to the NW. They'll back off a little today but will still average 20-25 mph with gusts to 30 along ridge tops. Skies will clear today and it's going to be cold. High temps at 10,000' will be in the mid-teens with a wind chill factor of -15. Sunday will be sunny and warmer with dry conditions through Monday.

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

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

Snotel site near Geyser Pass Trailhead (9600').

NWS weather forecast.

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