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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 years ago.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

Look for a rising avalanche danger today. Blowing and drifting snow will create an increasing MODERATE avalanche danger. Look for fresh deposits of wind drifted snow on the lee sides of ridge crests and terrain features, primarily in upper elevation terrain that faces the north half of the compass. Cracking in the snow surface is a sign of instability. Avoid steep slopes that have about 6" or more of wind drifted snow. If snow totals come in on the upper end of the forecast, the danger could reach CONSIDERABLE sometime tonight. Be alert to changing conditions and anticipate a rise in danger.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    2

    Weak layers have been observed developing within the snowpack over the past week to 10 days. I'm uncertain to what extent the new snow will affect them. My inclination is that there is the likelihood for wind drifted snow to affect weak layers in the upper portion of the snowpack. That said, travel advice remains the same - steep wind drfited slopes should be avoided. A triggered wind drift has the potential to step down into a buried weak layer.

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Fresh snow combined with moderate to strong southerly winds will create fresh drifts sensitive to the weight of a skier or rider today. Look for recent deposits of wind drifted snow on the leeward sides of ridge crests and terrain features on slopes facing the north half of the compass. Initially, new drifts shouldn't pose too much of a problem, but they will become deeper and more widespread as new snow accumulates. Cracking in the snow surface is a sign of instability. Beware of smooth, pillowy, fresh deposits of wind drifted snow, and avoid steep slopes where they are more than about 6" deep.

Special Announcement

Road Conditions: The road is snow-packed, slick, and icy in places. All-wheel drive vehicles with good tires are recommended.

Grooming update: Matt groomed Gold Basin through Geyser Pass on Friday.

Snow and Weather

24 Hour Snow T" Weekly Snow T" Base Depth in Gold Basin 27" Wind SE 25-30 mph Temp 25F

Light snow has begun to fall and SE winds have cranked overnight blowing in the 25-30 mph range with gusts in the 40's. Look for periods of snow today with 3"-5" possible. South winds will blow 15-20 mph with gusts to 30. High temps will be in the upper 20's. We should see an uptick in snowfall late tonight with another 4"-6" possible. Showers should linger through Christmas Day. I'm seeing 8"-12" all said and done. NWS totals are more optimistic at 10"-18". Let's see what we get for Christmas!

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.

General Announcements

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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.

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