Moab

Recent snow and shifting winds have increased the danger on all aspects above treeline, and on northerly aspects near treeline, and the avalanche danger is MODERATE on allsteep, wind drifted slopes. Suspect slopes that have a smooth rounded appearance and avoid steep, wind drifted slopes. And, though the likelihood has decreased significantly, it is still possible to trigger a deep and dangerous avalanche on a buried persistent weak layer on steep slopes facing NW-N-E-SE. Thinner snowpack areas and slopes made up of steep, rocky terrain are the most likely trigger points.

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Over the last couple of days, two different fatal avalanche accidents have occurred in CA and CO. Our deepest condolences to the friends and families of these victims.

The Geyser Pass Roadhas been plowed and is down to the dirt in most areas. Patches of ice and snow exist and it turns muddy as the day heats up. All-wheel-drive recommended.

The Lower Utah Nordic Alliance (LUNA) groomed into Gold Basin on Friday.

24 Hour Snow 2" 72 Hour Snow 7" Base Depth in Gold Basin 68" Wind SW 15-20 G28 Temp 18F

A couple more inches of snow has trickled in since yesterday. Today look for increasing clouds as the next Pacific trough moves in off the coast and into the Great Basin. Light snow showers should develop mid-morning with 1"-2" possible today. SW winds will blow in the 15-25 mph range with high temps in the mid to upper 20's. Snowfall will increase tonight with another 4"-8" possible. Snow showers should linger through Friday followed by a building ridge of high pressure and sunny skies on Saturday.

NWS Weather Forecast.

Wind, temperature, humidity on Pre Laurel Peak (11,700')

SNOTEL site near Geyser Pass Trailhead (9600')

Storm totals at the Gold Basin study plot (10,000')

Snowpack Discussion

7" of new snow combined with shifting winds over the past couple of days has resulted in the formation of fresh deposits of wind drifted snow on all aspects in upper elevation, wind exposed terrain. Southerly winds today will load northerly aspects near and above treeline. Look for fresh drifts on the leeward sides of ridge crests and terrain features and avoid steep, wind drifted slopes. As new snow accumulates, especially by tomorrow, the danger will increase for storm slab avalanches or fast running, new snow sluffs. Expect this problem when we see about 6" or more of new snow.

Weak, faceted snow still exists near the ground but time, warmer temperatures, and a significant load test two weeks ago has decreased the likelihood of triggering an avalanche on this buried, persistent weak layer. That's not to say it's impossible and deep and dangerous avalanches failing on weak facets are still being triggered in neighboring Colorado. You are most likely to trigger one of these avalanches in areas of steep, rocky terrain that has a thinner snowpack.

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.