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Forecast for the Moab Area Mountains

Eric Trenbeath
Issued by Eric Trenbeath on
Saturday morning, February 8, 2025
The overall danger is LOW and human-triggered avalanches are unlikely. Small avalanches remain possible in isolated areas or extreme terrain.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
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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: MLSNF Recreation Program Manager Brian Murdock groomed all trails on Wednesday.
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: WNW 5-10 Temp: 22° F Percent of Normal (SWE): 69%
Weather
The relentless southwest winds finally backed off around 1:00 a.m. and shifted to the WNW in the wake of a powerful storm system that left 12 to 18 inches of snow in the Wasatch and Uinta Mountains. At least it's snowing somewhere. The passing cold front caused temperatures to plummet into the lower 20's, a welcome return to below freezing temperatures. Under mostly sunny skies, they'll rise into the upper 20's today. Sunday looks mostly sunny and cool as well. An unsettled pattern is currently in store for the week and at the risk of jinxing it, possibly a significant storm developing on Thursday.
General Conditions
Almost a week of strong southerly winds and warm temperatures have really taken a toll on what was already a meager snowpack. The snow surface is highly variable with many south facing slopes melted off. Shady slopes below treeline lack structure and consist entirely of weak, faceted snow. Above treeline, winds have scoured and hardened the snow surface, and a variety of textures exist. Human triggered avalanches are unlikely.
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.
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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.
  • 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.
  • Loose Dry Avalanches - Below treeline on northerly aspects, the snowpack is entirely loose and faceted. You can trigger small dry-loose avalanches in very steep terrain. These slides would not be large enough to bury you, but they could sweep you off your feet and carry you into a tree or over a cliff.
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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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