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Forecast for the Moab Area Mountains

Eric Trenbeath
Issued by Eric Trenbeath for
Thursday, February 23, 2017

Today there is a MODERATE danger for triggering wind slabs old and new on steep, wind drifted slopes. The danger will be most pronounced in upper elevation, wind exposed terrain. Avoid steep slopes with fresh wind drifts, and suspect older wind slabs on slopes that have a smooth, rounded appearance, or that have a hollow feel to them.

Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
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Special Announcements

Longtime local skier Craig Bigler lost a ski in the North Woods on Thursday. If you run across it please give him a call at 435-260-1007.

Weather and Snow

4"-5" of new snow has fallen overnight giving us a nice refresh on conditions. We're also seeing a return to winter temperatures. Pre Laurel Peak is showing a frigid 2 degrees this morning and it's 15 degrees at the Geyser Pass trailhead. Southeasterly winds ramped up overnight into the 30-40 mph range. They have since backed off a little and shifted to the SW avraing 15-20 mph.

For recent observations go here.

Wind, temperature and humidity on Pre Laurel Peak. (11,700')

Storm totals and temperature in Gold Basin. (10,000')

Snow totals, temperature and snow/water equivalent at the Geyser Pass Trailhead. (9600')

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Avalanche Problem #1
Wind Drifted Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description

Moderate to strong winds will have quickly transported the new snow forming sensitive drifts along the leeward sides of upper elevation ridge crests and terrain features. Though these most recent slabs will be relatively shallow, there are likely some older, deeper wind slabs about that formed earlier in the week. Avoid, steep, wind drifted slopes, especially those with a smooth, rounded appearance, and that have a hollow feel to them.

Additional Information

General Announcements

Road conditions: Expect to find a few inches of snow on the road at the upper end with somewhat sloppy an muddy conditions down low.

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The information in this advisory is from the US Forest Service which is solely responsible for its content. This advisory describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.

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