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Forecast for the Moab Area Mountains

Dave Garcia
Issued by Dave Garcia on
Wednesday morning, January 3, 2024
The avalanche danger is LOW. Generally safe avalanche conditions exist. Backcountry travelers should watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features in extreme terrain above tree line.
The snowpack is still very shallow and rocks, logs, and stumps are a very real hazard right now.
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Learn how to read the forecast here
Special Announcements
Road Conditions: The road is plowed but the surface remains soft. AWD with good tires are required.
Grooming: Gold Basin was last groomed on Friday. Gavin tuned up the Geyser Pass Road yesterday.
Weather and Snow
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 20 G 26 Temp 17˚ F
Weather
A weak ripple aloft out ahead of the low has created enough lift to form a narrow band of high clouds over our region this morning. We might see a few hours of sunshine mid-day before we start seeing the affects of the closed low that is currently coming ashore across California. Winds are forecast to blow out of the SW 10-15 mph, and Pre-Laurel is already showing gusts in the upper 20's. High temperatures at 10,000' should reach the mid 20's. Light precipitation begins tonight and continues through Thursday, 1-3" of snow is expected for the mountains. A more potent storm system is still on track for the La Sals this weekend, and we can expect more significant snow accumulations. It looks like the pattern will stay active and stormy through the middle of next week.
General Conditions
On Monday we toured around Miner's Basin and found a variety of character building surface conditions. For the most part, the snow surface is severely wind damaged. We found a mix of breakable wind crust, and hard, slick wind crusts while traveling on North and Northwest aspects near treeline. Low angle meadows are still your best bet right now if you are looking to make any turns. The avalanche danger remains LOW for the time being, but look for a rising danger this weekend with the incoming storm.
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.
Check out this video for a snowpack summary looking ahead to this weekend's incoming storm.
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Avalanche Problem #1
Normal Caution
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Overall, the avalanche danger is LOW, and backcountry travelers should exercise normal caution. Avalanches are unlikely, but they are not impossible. In isolated areas, such as steep, thin, rocky terrain above tree line, you may encounter avalanches involving old, hard slabs of wind-drifted snow sitting on top of weak sugary faceted snow. Always use safe travel protocols in the backcountry, which means:
  • Carry a beacon, shovel, probe, and know how to use it
  • Only expose one person at a time to avalanche terrain
  • Keep eyes on your partners at all times
Additional Information
To fulfill our mission, the UAC relies on our amazing backcountry community. Your support helps pay for the daily avalanche forecast, free awareness presentations across the state, and new tools like the new Avalanche and Observation Explorer. As we welcome the new year, please consider donating to the UAC.
General Announcements
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.
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