Expect an increasing avalanche danger over the next several days! The avalanche danger is generally MODERATE this morning but will likely rise to CONSIDERABLE later today as new snow and wind create fresh drifts along upper elevation ridge crests and terrain features, primarily on slopes that face NW-N-SE. New wind drifts will cover old, and avalanches up to 3' deep will be possible on steep, wind loaded terrain. It is also still possible to trigger an avalanche in the most recent storm snow on slopes steeper than 35 degrees, particularly on slopes where there is an underlying crust with thin layer of facets on top. There also remains an isolated or MODERATE danger for triggering a deep and dangerous avalanche on a buried, persistent weak layer. You are most likely to encounter this problem on steep, rocky, northerly facing slopes, or in areas with a shallower snowpack.
Be on the lookout for fresh deposits of wind drifted snow on the leeward sides of ridge crests and terrain features in upper elevation terrain that faces NW-N-SE. New wind drifts will cover old, and avalanches up to 3' deep will be possible on steep, wind loaded terrain. You can recognize wind drifted slopes by their smooth, rounded, or "fat" appearance. Cracking in the snow surface is a sign of instability.
It is also still possible to trigger an avalanche in the most recent storm snow on slopes steeper than 35 degrees, particularly on slopes where there is an underlying crust with thin layer of facets on top.
Though it's been getting harder to trigger an avalanche on a buried persistent weak layer, a poor snowpack structure still exists in many areas. The most suspect areas are steep, rocky slopes facing NW-NE-E, but other areas with a shallower snowpack also remain suspect. This includes slopes that have already avalanched, or that have been previously wind scoured. Any avalanches triggered on a persistent weak layer would be large and dangerous.
After a brief period of sunny skies and calm weather, clouds are building, and winds are on the increase ahead of the next series of powerful Pacific storm systems lining up to affect the region. SW winds began to increase yesterday afternoon and have averaged 20-25 mph with gusts to 30 overnight. Snow showers will develop today with 3"-5" possible and continue through tonight. SW winds will average 25-35 mph with gusts into the 40's. High temps will be warm, in the low to mid 30's. Snow will continue overnight and linger into tomorrow with another 5"-9" possible when it's all said and done. We'll see a break on Thursday before the next system moves in on Friday. The extended period shows another system to favor the southern mountains on late Mon - Tue.
Today's weather will pretty much make yesterday's conditions irrelevant, but with a brief period of sunshine, calm winds, and fresh snow, it was a brilliant day to be in the mountains. The peaks are as white as they get, slopes are filled in, and excellent turning and riding conditions still exist, though today you will have to seek out more sheltered terrain. Base depth in Gold Basin is 93".
New snow totals in Gold Basin (10,000')
Snotel totals at the Geyser Pass Trailhead (9600') y
Wind, temperature, and humidity on Pre Laurel Peak (11,700')
National Weather Service point forecast.
It is with great sadness that I report the death of an old friend. On Sunday, March 3, Scott Spencer was caught, buried, and killed in an avalanche near Lizard Head Pass, about 12 miles south of Telluride, Colorado. It has been a deadly season in Utah and Colorado this year, and this one has really hit home. My deepest condolences go out to his wife Sara, sons Jack and Peter, and the rest of his family and wide circle of friends who have been affected. Here is the preliminary report.
Check out this clip of local Moab sledders playing it safe and making sure their beacons are on at the Geyser Pass Trailhead.
Your information can save lives. If you see anything we should know about, please help us out by submitting snow and avalanche observations HERE. You can also call me at 801-647-8896, or send me an email: [email protected].
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This advisory is from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This advisory describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.
