Forecast for the Moab Area Mountains

Eric Trenbeath
Issued by Eric Trenbeath for
Friday, March 29, 2019
The avalanche danger is generally LOW. With cooler temperatures, and a good refreeze overnight, the danger for wet snow avalanches has mostly abated. If the sun comes out for any length of time, be alert to signs of wet instability such as roller balls, or pinwheels, and get off of steep slopes if they become wet and sloppy. If you are moving into higher, northerly facing terrain in search of dry snow, maintain your avalanche awareness. Be alert to areas of wind drifted snow, as well as the possibility for triggering an avalanche on a buried persistent weak layer, particularly in areas with rocky, more radical, or extreme terrain.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
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Special Announcements
We need your help. In an effort to increase awareness and prevent future fatalities we need to reach more people with our daily avalanche forecasts, expand the Know Before You Go program, and increase the number of on-snow avalanche courses. Please consider a donation to the UAC to help us raise $25,000 by April 8. Show your support of the UAC by making a donation at https://utahavalanchecenter.org/donate
Couple of new interesting things to read and listen to: (1) The latest blog by Drew "Roping the Wind (Slab)", and (2) UAC podcast featuring Lynne Wolfe - guide, avalanche educator, editor of The Avalanche Review, mentor, role model. This is a can't-miss episode!
Weather and Snow
Skies are mostly cloudy, WSW winds are blowing 15-25 mph along ridge tops, and 10,000' temps are in the low 20's. A storm system to the north will bring us passing clouds and a slight chance for snow showers today into tomorrow. A better chance for snow develops on Sunday. Today look for increasing WSW winds, mostly sunny skies, and high temps in the low 30's.
New snow totals in Gold Basin (10,000')
Snotel totals at the Geyser Pass Trailhead (9600')
Winds at 11,000 feet on Abajo Peak (11,330') about 45 miles south.
National Weather Service point forecast.
Recent Avalanches
No new avalanches have been reported. For a list of avalanches this season go here.
Ad
Avalanche Problem #1
Normal Caution
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Description
Backcountry travel in snow covered mountains should always be done with an awareness for avalanche potential, and LOW danger doesn't mean NO danger. Continue to practice safe travel techniques by only putting one person on a slope at a time. Be alert to changing weather conditions and keep the following avalanche problems in mind:
Wet Snow: If the sun comes out and the day heats up you need to be alert to a rising danger for wet snow avalanches. Signs of instability include roller balls, pinwheels, and loose, wet sluffs. Follow the sun and get off of steep slopes if they become wet and sloppy.
Wind Drifted Snow: Always be on the lookout for areas of wind drifted snow on the leeward sides of ridge crests and terrain features. They are often recognizable as smooth, rounded pillows, or they may feel and sound hollow like a drum. Old, hard wind slabs will be harder to trigger, but they will also have higher consequences. Even a small wind slab release could be devastating if it swept you over a cliff. Choose terrain wisely and with regard for consequences.
Persistent Weak Layer: Persistent weak layers have plagued our snowpack for most of the season causing frequent natural activity. A major cycle on March 13, produced very large avalanches breaking to the ground. Triggering this type of avalanche has now become unlikely, but layers of weak, faceted snow still exist deep in the snowpack on shady aspects. If you move into steeper, more radical terrain, be mindful of potential trigger points such as shallower areas along slab margins, or in rocky or sparsely treed areas.
Additional Information
Grooming Information: Brian and Zach from the Forest service were up grooming yesterday. The trail into Gold Basin is groomed with fresh corduroy. The trail over Geyser Pass was packed out and rolled but is still quite rough with lots of "whoop dedoos."
General Announcements
Your information can save lives. If you see anything we should know about, please help us out by submitting snow and avalanche observations HERE. You can also call me at 801-647-8896, or send me an email: [email protected].
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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.