Moab

The odds of triggering an avalanche are diminishing with each passing day but an isolated or MODERATE danger still exists on steep slopes above treeline that face NW-N-NE-E. In these areas, slabs of wind drifted snow sitting on top of weak, sugary, faceted snow present the biggest threat. Suspect slopes that have a smooth, rounded appearance, or that sound hollow underneath. The snowpack is still very shallow and rocks, logs, and stumps are a very real hazard right now.

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Road Conditions: The road is plowed but the surface remains soft. AWD with good tires are required.

Grooming: Gavin groomed over Geyser Pass yesterday, and Ben groomed and set classic track into Gold Basin.

On Wednesday, Dave Garcia's party observed this small natural avalanche involving wind-drifted snow. This slide most likely occurred on Sunday or Monday during the peak of the strong winds. Though the odds are decreasing, you may still be able to trigger an avalanche like this on steep, notherly aspects where old slabs of wind drifted snow are sitting on top of weak, sugary facets.

6:00 a.m. Snow and Weather Data

24 Hour Snow 0" 72 Hour Snow 0" Season Total Snow 42" Base Depth at Gold Basin 23"

Winds on Pre-Laurel Peak: S 5-15 Temp 20˚ F

Weather

Clear skies this morning should give way to increasing clouds as an approaching, weak shortwave affects points north. Winds from the SW will be mostly light, and high temps will be in the mid 30's. Sunday looks sunny. A split flow pattern remains in place but we'll see a slight chance for snow mid-week. Long range models still don't promise much.

General Conditions

Conditions continue to deteriorate after last weekend's 9" and there is not enough coverage for serious skiing and riding. The snowpack is weak and faceting, and not supportive enough to keep you on top of the rocks. Strong northerly winds last weekend, and again mid-week added insult to injury. In the alpine, you will find a mix of scoured slopes alternating with a variety of wind-sculpted snow, old hard wind crusts and slabs, and shallow, sensitive, soft slabs of recently wind-drifted snow.

Average snow depth on this date over the last five years is 40". The last el Nino Winter was 2018/2019 and we had a very dry December with a base depth of 29" on Christmas Day, 4" more than this year. Then it started snowing and didn't stop. Keep the dream alive!

12/30/2022 50"

12/30/2021 40"

12/30/2020 32"

12/30/2019 43"

12/30/2018 35"

Snowpack and Weather Data

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.

Dave Garcia sent in these photos of low coverage and wind damaged surface snow. 12/29/2023

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.