Avalanche Advisory
Advisory: Moab Area Mountains Issued by Eric Trenbeath for Friday - February 17, 2017 - 6:54am
bottom line

The snow pack is mostly stable and the avalanche danger is generally LOW. Backcountry travelers should still continue to evaluate steep terrain, and practice safe travel techniques by only putting one person on a slope at a time. Expect the danger to rise over the weekend with new snow and wind in the forecast.




special announcement
current conditions

A few clouds are hanging over the mountains this morning and winds are light and southwesterly. Temperatures are in the low to mid 20's at all stations. We're back to a mixed bag of surface conditions, but soft, re-crystallized powder can be found on sheltered, northerly aspects.

For a list of recent observations go here.

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

Storm totals and temperature in Gold Basin. (10,000')

Snow totals, temperature and snow/water equivalent at the Geyser Pass Trailhead. (9600')
recent activity
Avalanche Problem 1
type aspect/elevation characteristics
LIKELIHOOD
LIKELY
UNLIKELY
SIZE
LARGE
SMALL
TREND
INCREASING DANGER
SAME
DECREASING DANGER
over the next 24 hours
description

The snow pack is mostly stable and the avalanche danger is generally low. Backcountry travelers should still continue to evaluate steep terrain, and practice safe travel techniques by only putting one person on a slope at a time. Avalanche problems you may still encounter include:

Wind slabs- Isolated wind slabs may still exist on the lee sides of ridge crests and terrain features in upper elevation, wind exposed terrain.

Loose dry - It may be possible to trigger loose sluffs within the surface snow on steep, sheltered, upper elevation northerly aspects.

Cornices - There are a few areas where cornices loom large. Give them a wide berth if you are walking along ridge lines where they are present.

weather

Clouds will be on the increase with mostly cloudy skies by this afternoon. Some rain, with snow at higher elevations, is expected this afternoon and will continue through early Saturday morning. A lull is expected Saturday morning before picking up again Saturday afternoon and evening and continuing into Sunday. Sunday looks to be the most active period with conditions improving Monday.

Today

Snow likely, mainly after 3pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 34. South southwest wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Tonight

Snow. Widespread blowing snow, mainly after 11pm. Low around 24. Breezy, with a south wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Saturday

Snow. Areas of blowing snow before 1pm. High near 33. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

Saturday Night

Snow likely. Areas of blowing snow. Cloudy, with a low around 26. South wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

Sunday

Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. Areas of blowing snow before noon. High near 33. South wind around 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
general announcements

Road conditions: The road to Geyser Pass Trailhead is plowed with a mix of packed snow, dirt, and mud at lower elevations.

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The information in this advisory is from the US Forest Service which is solely responsible for its content. This advisory describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.