UDOT PLANNED AVALANCHE CLOSURES!!

Forecast for the Moab Area Mountains

Evelyn Lees
Issued by Evelyn Lees for
Friday, November 13, 2015

We are not yet posting a danger rating for the season and we have very limited snow pack data; however, potentially dangerous avalanche conditions exist in the La Sal mountains. Over 2 feet of snow fell on the preexisting old snow pack. This is a massive load for an early season snowpack, which, until proven wrong, should make the snow pack suspect, with human triggered avalanche possible through the weekend.

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Moderate
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High
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Learn how to read the forecast here
Special Avalanche Bulletin

The Special Avalanche Statement has been continued for the La Sal mountains through the weekend.

SINCE TUESDAY AFTERNOON...THE LA SAL MOUNTAINS NEAR MOAB RECEIVED OVER TWO FEET OF SNOW CONTAINING ABOUT THREE INCHES OF WATER. THIS IS A VERY HEAVY SNOW LOAD FOR AN EARLY SEASON SNOWPACK TO SUPPORT. THERE IS LIMITED SNOWPACK DATA AVAILABLE AT THIS POINT. HOWEVER... DANGEROUS AVALANCHE CONDITIONS MAY EXIST. UNTIL MORE DATA IS AVAILABLE...EXPECT AVALANCHES AND AVOID AVALANCHE PATHS AND AVALANCHE RUN-OUT ZONES.

Weather and Snow

If you are out and about, it is also a good time to start taking stock of snow that is on the ground. Shallow, early season snowpacks are very susceptible to the process of temperature gradient metamorphism and the development of depth hoar. Depth hoar provides an unstable base for future snow to pile up on, and can exist as a persistent weak layer for much of the season.

Two photos from Facebook and I do not know who took them. One is from November 6 prior to the heavy snowfall and shows pretty good coverage in the starting zones.


The other is from the Geyser Pass Trailhead from November 11 after the storm.


​The road beyond the Geyser Pass Trailhead is not yet officially closed, but numerous vehicles have gotten stuck trying to drive beyond. It is recommended that all vehicles stop and park at the trailhead.

And finally, though all the new snow is exciting, it is very shallow, and most obstacles are barely covered. Don't let early season enthusiasm ruin the rest of the season through an injury.

The Moab office will be up and running by mid-November. In the mean time, use the weather links below to stay abreast of current conditions, and if you are out and about, go to our observation page and let us know what you are seeing!

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Additional Information

Sunny skies and warm temperatures are in the forecast for the weekend, with 10,000' temperatures near freezing. Southwesterly winds will increase on Sunday, ahead an a storm, which should bring snow to the mountains Sunday night through Monday.

General Announcements

Use the links below for hourly updated mountain weather information including new snow totals, wind speed and direction, temperature and humidity.

La Sal Weather

Wind speeds and temperature at 11,700' on Pre-Laurel Peak.

New snow totals and temperature at Geyser Pass Trailhead.

Abajo Mountain Weather

Winds and temperature on Abajo Peak.

Snow total at Buckboard Flat.