Forecast for the Moab Area Mountains

Eric Trenbeath
Issued by Eric Trenbeath for
Wednesday, April 10, 2019
Today will be a day of rising avalanche danger. The danger is LOW this morning but should quickly rise to MODERATE, and possibly reach CONSIDERABLE as snow piles up. Look for signs of instability in the new snow such as cracking in the snow surface, and watch for loose snow sluffing on underlying slick surfaces. As the day progresses we'll start to see areas of wind drifted snow on the leeward sides of upper elevation ridge crests and terrain features, primarily on slopes with an easterly aspect. Backcountry travelers need to be alert to changing conditions and make their plans accordingly.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
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Special Announcements
Next Sunday, April 14 will be the last regular advisory for the season. I will post updates as conditions warrant through the rest of the month. As we wind down I want to thank our local supporters including Moab Gear Trader, Talking Mountain Yurts, and ROAM Industry, for helping make this a great season!
Thank you to everyone who supported our spring fundraiser. We reach and exceeded our goals. The UAC could not exist without your support.
Weather and Snow
Skies are cloudy, SW winds are light to moderate, temps are in the low 20's, and about an inch of snow has fallen in Gold Basin. An approaching cold front will produce snow throughout the day with 6"-8" possible. Winds will shift to the NW averaging 15-20 mph with gusts into the 30's. High temps will be right around freezing. Light snow showers will continue through tonight with moderate to strong NW winds. Unsettled weather will continue through Friday before drying out over the weekend. Long range models show the next trough moving into our area early next week.
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.
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Avalanche Problem #1
New Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Avalanches within the new snow will be the primary concern today and the danger will increase with elevation. New snow avalanches can occur as loose snow sluffs, or as cohesive soft slabs. Watch for signs of instability such as cracking in the snow surface, and pay attention to loose snow sluffing on underlying slick surfaces. A rising danger will directly correlate with how much snow we get. Expect dangerous conditions to develop with about 6" or more of new snow. As snow stacks up and winds increase, you'll want to stay out from under high, steep faces that have an easterly aspect.
Avalanche Problem #2
Wind Drifted Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
As the day progresses, and snow piles up, expect sensitive new wind drifts to form on the lee sides of upper elevation ridge crests and terrain features, primarily on slopes with an easterly aspect. Look for the usual signs of instability such as cracking in the snow surface, and avoid steep slopes that have a smooth, rounded appearance.
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.