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Forecast for the Moab Area Mountains

Eric Trenbeath
Issued by Eric Trenbeath for
Sunday, February 1, 2015

There is an isolated or MODERATE danger for triggering new, recently deposited wind slabs at upper elevations on the lee sides of ridge crests and terrain features. And though diminishing, there still remains an isolated or MODERATE danger for triggering a persistent slab in upper elevation areas of steep, rocky, and radical terrain that has a NW-N-E aspect. Elsewhere the avalanche danger is generally LOW.

Low
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Weather and Snow

The 3" of snow we received from Friday's "storm" has been blown into Arizona. North winds on Pre Laurel Peak have averaged 40 mph since midnight with gusts as high as 60. Needless to say, the snow surface in exposed locations has been devastated. Below tree line, you can find dust on a variety of crusts. In very sheltered areas, the new snow on top of old re-crystallized snow provides the best turning conditions. It is a frigid 14 degrees on Pre Laurel Peak, and 26 at the Geyser Pass Trailhead.

La Sal Mountains Current Weather

Wind speeds and temperature at 11,700' on Pre-Laurel Peak.

New snow totals and temperature at Geyser Pass Trailhead.

New snow totals and temperature in Gold Basin.

Abajo / Blue Mountains.

Winds and temperature on Abajo Peak.

Snow total at Buckboard Flat.

Ad
Avalanche Problem #1
Persistent Weak Layer
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description

There isn't a lot of new snow available for transport but it is impossible to ignore those winds. Today, be on the lookout for isolated, stiff wind slabs on all aspects in exposed upper elevation terrain on the lee sides of ridges and terrain features. Look for smooth deposits of wind drifted snow that have a stiff, hollow feel to them. Though small, they could pack a punch sweeping you off your feet and taking you for a ride over rocks or cliff band.

Avalanche Problem #2
New Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description

The new dusting of snow has not added significant weight to our fragile snowpack. In general we have reached a point where conditions are "weak but stable" and the chances of triggering a persistent slab are becoming unlikely. Nevertheless, there still may be isolated areas where it is possible to trigger a persistent slab.This danger is most pronounced on upper-mid to upper elevation slopes steeper than 35 degrees that have a NW-N-E aspect, particularly in areas of rocky terrain that have a thin shallow snowpack.

Additional Information

Today look for areas of patchy fog giving way to mostly sunny skies as the day progresses. Moderate north winds will shift to northwesterly this afternoon and high temps at 10,000' will be in the low 30's. A northwest flow has taken over the region and a series of disturbances are lined up to affect areas well to our north. This will leave us with little more than partly cloudy skies for the upcoming week.

General Announcements


Road Conditions: The road to Geyser Pass Trailhead has not been plowed but saw considerable traffic on Saturday.

Grooming Conditions: Trails have not been groomed since the storm.

Observations: If you are out and about, I would love to know what you are seeing. Please post your observations here.

EMAIL ADVISORY If you would like to get the daily advisory by email you will need to subscribe here.​

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This advisory is from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This advisory describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always exist. This advisory will be updated on Thursday, January 22.

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