Moab

A MODERATE danger exists both for human triggered avalanches involving slabs of wind drifted snow, and for avalanches failing on a buried persistent weak layer. The danger for both problems is greatest on steep slopes near and above treeline that face NW-N-NE-E. In these areas, thick wind slabs formed over the past several days may still be sensitive to the weight of a skier or rider. Drifted snow has also added stress to buried weak layers increasing the likelihood for deeper and more dangerous avalanches. Avoid steep, wind drifted slopes facing the north half of the compass.

Outside of these areas problems are less widespread, however, persistent weak layers remain on west aspects near and above treeline, and on low elevation, northerly aspects. Recent deposits of wind drifted snow may also be found on slopes facing SE. Careful slope evaluation is required for moving into steeper terrain today.

The Utah Avalanche Center is excited to host Mountainfilm on Tour in Moab at Star Hall on 3/21 and 3/22. Click here for tickets and information.

Our Spring Campaign is in full swing, and there are two great ways to support forecasting, awareness, and education across Utah: Donate to our Spring Campaign, or Bid on items in our Spring Auction. Every dollar donated helps keep the backcountry community on top.

Turns out, they are working on the Loop Road today. Closures may be in effect.

Geyser Pass Road: Grand County plowed yesterday.

Grooming Conditions: I packed and groomed all trails from Gold Basin to Geyser Pass yesterday with the roller. Conditions will be good for cross country skiing, but not great for skating. There is no classic track.

Chis Benson reported this large avalanche in Upper Beaver Basin. A result of the last storm event, this NE facing path avalanched to the ground earlier this season and the snowpack remained shallow and weak in this zone. This type of avalanche remains a concern on steep northerly aspects right around treeline that have a weak and shallow snowpack.

See the complete avalanche database here.

6 A.M. Snow and Weather Data

24 Hour Snow: 0" 72 Hour Snow: 0" Season Total Snow: 121" Depth at Gold Basin: 53"

Winds on Pre-Laurel Peak: WNW 20-25 G30 Temp: 11° F Percent of Normal (SWE): 119%

Weather

West northwest winds cranked up over the last six hours blowing in the 20-30 mph range on Pre Laurel Peak. Look for increasing clouds today ahead of an approaching system that will largely pass by to the north. We'll see continued moderate westerly winds with stronger gusts along ridge tops. High temperatures at 10,000' will be in the low 30's. Look for a slight chance for isolated snow showers on Saturday morning with mostly cloudy skies and moderate to strong southwest winds during the day. Sunday kicks off a dry and warm period extending through the upcoming week with high temperatures reaching the low 50's by Tuesday. Spring is definitely here.

General Conditions

March has brought the best conditions of the season with over 3 feet of new snow at 4.0 inches of Snow Water Equivalent (SWE). This has made for some great turning and riding but you know what happens when the sun comes out. All sun exposed slopes are crusted over while south and westerly winds over the past few days have also damaged the snow surface. Some south aspects have been scoured right back down to the rocks. In my travels yesterday, however, I continued to find great, soft settled powder on sheltered northerly aspects. Areas with wind drifted snow may remain sensitive to skiers or riders today, and you can still trigger a deep and dangerous avalanche involving persistent weak layers of faceted snow. The bullseye for this problem is on steep northerly aspects right around treeline. Especially in areas where the snowpack remains shallow.

Snow cover in Gold Basin is finally looking pretty good, while many exposed southerly aspects have been stripped back down to the rocks.

Snowpack and Weather Data

Snowpack Observations

Gold Basin Storm Stake (10,000')

Gold Basin SNOTEL site (10,000')

SNOTEL site near Geyser Pass Winter Trailhead (9600')

Wind Station on Pre-Laurel Peak (11,400')

NWS forecast for the La Sal Mountains.

Check out the latest UAC podcast with forecaster Brett "Kowboy" Kobernick where he discusses faceted persistent weak layers and how "nobody is immune from getting killed in an avalanche."

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This forecast is from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This forecast describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.