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Forecast for the Moab Area Mountains

Eric Trenbeath
Issued by Eric Trenbeath for
Tuesday, April 4, 2023
Areas of CONSIDERABLE danger exist on steep slopes above treeline that face N-NE-E. Human triggered avalanches involving slabs of wind drifted snow are likely in these areas.
A MODERATE danger exists near treeline and above on all other slopes facing NW-N-SE.
Isolated slabs may exist on all aspects. Look for areas of drifted snow on the leeward sides of ridge crests and terrain features in wind exposed terrain. Even a small wind slab avalanche can be dire in consequential terrain.
Cornices are becoming very large in some areas. Give them a wide berth and stay out from under them.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
Learn how to read the forecast here
Special Announcements
Geyser Pass Road: The road is open. Surface is snowpacked and soft near the top. Expect fresh drifting. AWD and good tires recommended.
Grooming: Trails have not been groomed since Saturday.
Weather and Snow
6:00 a.m. Snow and Weather Data
24 Hour Snow 4" 72 Hour Snow 4" Season Total Snow 305" Base Depth at Gold Basin 101"
Temp 13° F Winds on Pre-Laurel Peak: NA
Weather
The cold front has moved on to Colorado, but we should see continuing snow showers today as a deep low pressure system moves through the region. 2"-4" are possible. Winds will decrease and shift to more westerly, averaging 20-25 mph. High temps will be in the mid teens. A broad upper level trough and northwest flow should keep Wednesday mostly cloudy and cold. A dry and warming trend begins on Thursday.
General Conditions
I'm flying blind on wind data this morning but one thing's for sure, it's been blowing! SW winds on Pre Laurel Peak yesterday blew in the 35-45 mph range all day with gusts to 63. Overnight winds in Telluride continued to blow in that range with gusts over 70. Snowfall began just before midnight and it looks like we've picked up about 4" but good luck finding it! The new snow will increase the danger by adding shallow fresh slabs to older, stiff slabs of wind drifted snow. Deposition will be be scattered, and you are likely to find fresh deposits adjacent to scoured zones, with subtle terrain features making all the difference. In other news, the Painted Desert of Arizona was observed aloft over the mountains yesterday, and it seems likely that a dust layer has settled over the snowpack.
Travis Nauman sent in this photo of airborne dust obscuring the La Sal Mountains.
Snowpack and Weather Data
Gold Basin Storm Stake (10,000')
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
No recent avalanches have been reported. See the La Sal avalanche database here.
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Avalanche Problem #1
Wind Drifted Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Strong southwesterly winds yesterday and last night continued to create slabs of drifted snow on leeward slopes near treeline and above. Several inches of fresh snow, and continued westerly winds will add to the mix and you are likely to find a smattering of shallow fresh drifts intermixed with older, stiff slabs. You are most likely to encounter slabs of drifted snow on northwest through southeasterly aspects, with the highest concentration on upper elevation N-E facing slopes. Look for recent drifts on the leeward sides of ridge crests and terrain features such as gully walls, sub ridges, and rocky outcrops. Suspect slopes that have a smooth, rounded appearance, or that sound hollow underneath. Cracking is a sign of instability. Even a small wind slab avalanche could have serious consequences in the wrong terrain.
Additional Information
Sorry bikers, it's going to be awhile!
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. This forecast will be updated by 7:30 tomorrow morning.
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