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Forecast for the Moab Area Mountains

Eric Trenbeath
Issued by Eric Trenbeath on
Wednesday morning, November 6, 2024
Updated November 6, 2024.
Early season storms have accumulated to the point that human triggered avalanches are possible, primarily on steep, wind drifted slopes that have continuous coverage of at least a foot or more of snow. On leeward slopes above about 10,000' you are likely to find recent drifts up to 12" deep on about an equal base. These drifts will be scattered between areas of very thin coverage - expect to find them in depressions, and on the leeward sides of ridge crests and terrain features. Avoid fresh deposits of wind drifted snow. Any ride in an avalanche, no matter how small, would be a very rough.
Snowcover is very thin and rocks, trees, and stumps pose serious hazards.
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Weather and Snow
Snow has been slowly but steadily accumulating over the course of four storms since Oct 18, and there is now 16" on the ground in Gold Basin at 10,000', and around a foot of snow at the Geyser Pass Winter Trailhead. Gusty SW-NW ridge top winds up to 45 mph have accompanied the most recent storm. Faceting has been observed at the base of the snowpack, as well as in more recent snow, setting us up for potential persistent weak layers in the future. Pro observer Chris Benson has been out and about and has provided us with some excellent early season observations. He also shot some amazing drone footage to give you an idea of coverage prior to the November 6 snow and wind event. See video below.
Snowpack and Weather Data
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.
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Additional Information
It’s never too early to start thinking about avalanches. Here are a few things to consider doing:
  • We have over 5 hours of free online learning at the Know Before You Go Website
  • Sign up for an on-snow class or in in person Know Before you Go Event.
  • Get your avalanche rescue gear ready for winter. Put fresh batteries in your transceiver and update the firmware. Inspect your shovel and probe. Get your airbag backpack ready by possibly doing a test deployment and updating the firmware if it is an electric version or getting your canister refilled if it's not electronic
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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