Observation Date
1/4/2026
Observer Name
Van Wetter
Region
Moab » Laurel Highway » Goldminer's
Location Name or Route
Laurel Highway-Goldminer's
Weather
Sky
Scattered
Wind Direction
South
Wind Speed
Moderate
Weather Comments
It was ~10° warmer above the Moab Valley fog this morning with patchy sun in La Sals. Temps in the high 20s° with constant moderate winds with some strong gusts >35 mph. A strong overnight wind run was evident, especially below treeline where twigs and branches blew down, as well as significant rime ice which acted like ball bearings on some portions of the skin track. Mostly cloudy with intermittent blue sky & sun.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Density
High
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Wind Crust
Rain-Rime Crust
Damp
Snow Characteristics Comments
Yesterday's new snow quickly settled to a wet few inches on top of the Christmas crust.
Red Flags
Red Flags
Wind Loading
Red Flags Comments
Persistent S/SE winds continued to build pillows and cornices above treeline along Laurel Highway ridge (see photo #1 of blown snow at the top of Coyote Chute). Wind slabs were present along the ridgeline in lower meadows but were generally thin (<2") and nonreactive.
Avalanche Problem #1
Problem
Wind Drifted Snow
Trend
Increasing Danger
Problem #1 Comments
Snow and rime transport will be ongoing. Wind-loading likely to develop on north faces.
Comments
Great day to get out above the inversion and see the snow! Generally good and supportive conditions but still just so thin. The grass under Goldminer's is still visible (and a little rime-y) and under-surface hazards are quite disruptive to a good turn. The wind was really kicking. The combination of wind and high-moisture/fast-settling took most of the volume out of this weekend's new snow, but it's better than nothing. Attached are a few pictures of Gold Basin.
Today's Observed Danger Rating
Moderate
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate
Coordinates
