Ad
The National Forest Service Logo
icon-add Observation
Forecasts
Logan Ogden Salt Lake Provo Uintas Skyline Moab Abajos Weather Archives How to read the forecast
Observations & Avalanches
Submit Observation Observations Explorer All Observations Avalanches Fatalities Weather Place Names Map Archives
Education
Avalanche Class List UAC Class List Online Classes Resources and Tutorials Avalanche Awareness Develop Skills
Events
Store
About
Contact Who we are Core Values Staff Board of Directors Past Forecasters Sponsors Annual Reports Sign In
Blog
icon-add Observation
Donate / Join

Forecast for the Moab Area Mountains

Eric Trenbeath
Issued by Eric Trenbeath on
Thursday morning, February 6, 2025
The overall danger is LOW and human-triggered avalanches are unlikely. Small avalanches remain possible in isolated areas or extreme terrain.
As the heatwave continues, be on the lookout for loose wet avalanches. Pay attention to the snow surface and avoid steep slopes that are becoming wet and sloppy.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
Learn how to read the forecast here
Special Announcements
Check out the latest edition of the UAC podcast with Moab forecaster Dave Garcia where he talks about the challenges of forecasting for our remote and isolated range with limited information.
Geyser Pass Road: Surface is mainly snowpacked and icy above and bare dirt down low. AWD with good tires recommended.
Grooming Conditions: Recreation Program Manager Brian Murdock groomed all trails yesterday!
Weather and Snow
6 A.M. Snow and Weather Data
24 Hour Snow: 0" 72 Hour Snow: 0" Season Total Snow: 63" Depth at Gold Basin: 27"
Winds on Pre-Laurel Peak: SW 15-20 G 28 Temp: 29° F Percent of Normal (SWE): 70%
Weather
Southwest winds have backed off a little the last six hours but they'll be back at it again later today. Warm and windy conditions will continue through Friday. Friday night clouds should build ahead of yet another system tracking by to the north. Saturday looks cloudy with a slight chance for snow and finally, at least some cooler temperatures.
General Conditions
It's rough out there. All aspects and elevations suffer from the lack of snow and recent strong winds. At least it froze. Temperatures will once again climb up to 40° F however, and while the threat is low, skiers and riders should continue to watch for signs of wet loose activity on solar aspects. Roller balls, pinwheels, wet slushy snow, and deep boot penetration are all signs that the snow surface is too warm and it's time to change aspect.
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.
Recent Avalanches
See the avalanche database here.
Ad
Avalanche Problem #1
Normal Caution
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Low danger doesn't mean no danger, and here are a few things to keep in mind as you travel through the backcountry today.
  • Loose Wet Avalanches - We are experiencing an unusual mid-winter heat wave and consecutive nights without a re-freeze. Surface snow is becoming damp and consolidated on top of a weak, faceted snow structure. I think the threat is overall minimal, but pay attention to the snow surface and avoid steep slopes that are wet and sloppy.
  • Persistent Weak Layer - Our snowpack is generally weak and faceted in many areas. This is different than your typical late-season low danger. If you are getting into big lines and steep terrain, it is always wise to evaluate the snowpack first. Look for slabs over weak layers. Reduce your risk by avoiding likely trigger points like shallow rocky areas, steep convexities, and thin slab margins.
  • Wind Drifted Snow - The La Sals are a high, islolated, wind swept mountain range and snow is often transported and then deposited as slabs of wind drifted snow. The current threat is isolated to specific terrain features and avalanches will be small, but they could sweep you off your feet and carry you over a cliff in the wrong location. Remain cautious of smooth, rounded, hollow feeling, areas, especially when in consequential terrain.
Additional Information
Sign up for text alerts to get the most up to date information about changing conditions, road plowing, special avalanche announcements.
Follow us on Instagram @utavy_moab
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.
< Previous forecast
Next forecast >