Moab

The avalanche danger is generally LOW and mostly stable snow conditions exist. That said, it may still be possible to trigger an avalanche in isolated areas with very steep, rocky, extreme terrain, primarily on slopes with a NW-E-SE aspect. Even a small avalanche triggered in the wrong terrain can have devastating consequences. Increasing winds today may blow and drift some snow around though there is very little available for transport. Be on the lookout for recent deposits of wind drifted snow.

Road Conditions: The road is plowed but snowpacked and icy in places.

Grooming report: LUNA (Lower Utah Nordic Alliance) groomed the lower meadow and into Gold Basin on Wednesday.

24 Hour Snow 0" Weekly Snow 1" Base Depth in Gold Basin 49" Wind WSW 10-20 mph Temp 28F

Weather: Another storm system on a northwest flow is starting to impact northern Utah. As it tracks to the SE it will once again favor north-central Colorado leaving us out of the powder party. We'll see mostly cloudy skies today with a chance for isolated showers late in the afternoon. SW ridge top winds will be on the increase blowing in the 15-25 mph range with gusts into the 30's. High temps will be in the mid 30's. Dry conditions set in for the rest of the week with the crystal ball advertising the next storm for around Feb 24.

Snowpack: The past several weeks have not been good for our snowpack. On the surface, SW-NW winds have strafed and scoured the snow right down to the rocks at upper elevations. Where snow still exists in these areas it looks like a textured desert landscape. Ribbons of windboard and crust exist on exposed northerly aspects with only the most sheltered locations offering soft snow. Weak, faceted snow is developing on the surface in sheltered areas, while underneath, faceted snow has developed in areas where the snowpack is less than about 4' deep. Though not currently a huge issue this will provide an unstable base for future snow loads should they ever come.

Reed and Megan Kennard were out and about yesterday and sent in this observation. They reported highly variable snow conditions under cloudy skies. Look for more of the same today.

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

Local observer, and environmental sedimentologist Chris Benson, has prepared these charts to track avalanche, weather, and snowpack data over the past 2 weeks. It's a great way to see the history of what's been going on up there, and how weather events correspond to the daily danger rating. Snow data is from the Snotel site at the Geyser Pass Trailhead at 9600'. This site receives considerably less snow than the Gold Basin plot at 10,000', but it also measures Snow Water Equivalent (SWE), or water weight within the snow. This measurement is far more important to avalanche forecasters than snow amounts. Thanks Chris!

My radio interview on KZMU about the history of backcountry skiing in the La Sals, avalanche accidents, and unique snowpack has been saved in perpetuity. You can listen to it here.

Check out the avalanche beacon training park at the Geyser Pass Trailhead and practice your rescue skills!

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.