Forecast for the Moab Area Mountains

Eric Trenbeath
Issued by Eric Trenbeath for
Monday, April 8, 2019
The avalanche danger is generally LOW this morning but will rise to MODERATE as the day heats up. Be alert to signs of wet snow instability such as roller balls and pinwheels, and get off of steep slopes as they become wet and sloppy. Work with the sun today and be down early. If you are venturing into steep, high elevation, north facing terrain maintain your avalanche awareness. It is still possible to trigger loose snow sluffs that could knock you off your feet and carry you over a cliff. Also be on the lookout for isolated areas of wind drifted snow.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
Learn how to read the forecast here
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!
When the forecasting ends, the UAC’s work keeps going strong. Summer is a busy time for the UAC. During the summer we are working hard on our fall and winter planning; putting together the Fall Fundraiser and USAW; updating our awareness and education programs; this summer we will be finishing up the website redesign project. Your donation shows you’re invested in this community all year round! You can still be part of the UAC’s success in 2019. Consider making a donation by April 8.
Weather and Snow
Skies are mostly clear, WNW winds are averaging 10-15 mph along ridge tops, and 10,000' temps are right around freezing. Mostly sunny skies will prevail today, and high temps will again be in the mid 40's at 10,000'. Things will start to turn tomorrow with strong, southwesterly winds ahead of a Pacific storm system that will move into the region in Wednesday. Details remain unclear on this one.
It's been quite a week for spring skiing and riding in the La Sals. Folks have been taking advantage of the mostly stable conditions, and tracks are appearing in places not visited all winter. The dry snow conditions we've been blessed with up high have taken a hit from wind and sun and you have to look hard to find soft snow. Corn snow is developing on southerly aspects below about 11,200'. Best conditions are in bowls that act as solar ovens, and that are protected from the wind. Last night's freeze wasn't great so you'll be working with a narrow window today.
Local observer Travis Nauman drops in to harvest some corn.
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
Wet Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
As temperatures soar into the 40's under sunny skies, you'll need to be alert to a rising danger for wet slide activty. Look for signs if instability such as roller balls and pinwheels, and get off of steep slopes as they become wet and sloppy. Work with the sun today and be down early.
Avalanche Problem #2
Normal Caution
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Low danger doesn't mean no danger, especially if you are setting your sites on some of the bigger lines, and more extreme terrain that the La Sals have to offer. Continue to be on the lookout for isolated wind rolls on the leeward sides of high elevation ridge crests and terrain features. Loose snow sluffing on very steep, north facing slopes is also still a possibility. Though mostly shallow, and not very wide, a loose sluff could carry you over a cliff and ruin your day if not your life. Practice safe travel techniques, and carefully evaluate the snow before committing to extreme terrain.
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.