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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 years ago.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

The avalanche danger is MODERATE today and human triggered avalanches remain possible on steep, wind drifted slopes. A triggered wind slab also has the potential to step down into a buried, persistent weak layer causing a deeper and more dangerous avalanche. You are most likely to encounter a persistent weak layer on steep, shady, northerly facing slopes. Most low elevation and south-facing terrain have LOW danger.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2

    Stronger than expected NE winds yesterday transported snow on to leeward slopes in the high country. Wind loading at mid-elevations has also been observed. Be on the lookout today for fresh drifts that could be sensitive to the weight of a skier or rider. A triggered wind slab also has the potential to step down into a buried, persistent weak layer causing a deeper and more dangerous avalanche. Avoid steep slopes that look to be wind-loaded, or that have a smooth, rounded appearance. Cracking or "whumphing" is a sign of instability.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2

    Areas with poor snowpack structure continue to be observed but weak layers are displaying varying degrees of reactivity. Dave Garcia's party discovered a reactive weak layer Wednesday on a NW aspect at 10,150'. Some shallow snowpack areas are also developing a layer of weak, sugary, faceted snow near the ground. Prudent backcountry travelers will perform their own stability analyses before jumping on to steep terrain. You are most likely to trigger an avalanche on a buried persistent weak layer on north-facing slopes that are wind-loaded, or in areas with rocky, radical terrain that have a shallow snowpack.

    Note the persistent weak layer in the snowpit wall. Travis Nauman photo.

Special Announcement

Road Conditions: Grand County widened the road and plowed the parking lot Monday. Expect a snow-packed surface with occasional ice. All-wheel drive with good tires recommended.

Grooming update: All trails were groomed on Tuesday. 2" of new snow has fallen since then.

Snow and Weather

24 Hour Snow 1" Weekly Snow 3" Base Depth in Gold Basin 42" Wind NW 5-15 mph Temp 18F

The mountains picked up another 1" of snow by early morning yesterday. N-NE winds blew a little more than expected and observer Dave Garcia reported seeing wind transported snow off the highest peaks, as well as tracks from the day before being filled in. It's been just over a week since our last storm, but there is still plenty of loose snow available for transport. Look for sunny skies today with light NW winds and high temps in the mid 20's. Dry conditions will remain in effect for the foreseeable future.

We're off to a great winter so far with a snowpack of near 200% of normal for this time of year!

We are experiencing some difficulties with regular uploading of weather data and are working to solve the problem.

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

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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