Advisory: Moab Area Mountains | Issued by Max Forgensi for February 9, 2013 - 6:59am |
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Above treeline
Near treeline
Below treeline
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bottom line The Bottom Line for Saturday will be an increasing avalanche danger, still in the Moderate category until the mountains receive more snow and wind. Be careful for newly deposited wind slabs and persistent slabs which still lurk on the shady side of the compass.
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special announcement Here's an observation from Saturday's tour to Mt. Haystack. |
current conditions Well folks, for the desert rats in our mix the past couple days has been exactly what they've been waiting for. For those who still would like to slide down slopes covered in the finest new dress of white, we are still going to wait a bit. The last 24 hours has brought nothing but tree tearing winds which has scoured and sculpted any snow where it surfaced, depositing a thick layer of pine needles, branches and in some cases trees. The first wave of this winter storm has left southeast Utah with a giant goose egg. 0" new to report. Saturday will be a day of sniffing out the most sheltered locations for soft supportable snow. Anywhere else, be prepared for variable snow surfaces and qualities. Road conditions will support 2WD traffic, although there will be some icy spots to navigate. LUNA has been consistently grooming but be prepared for the wind to have covered the corduroy in most locations. Let's all keep our fingers crossed that it snows in the mountains the next couple of days and stays dry down in the valleys. For those hard core mountain bikers who went down to the cross roads to make a deal remember; valley only, OK? For those heading out this weekend, go to our Mountain Weather Page to NOWCAST current weather conditions and snow totals. |
recent activity No avalanche activity to report. If you do see an avalanche or want to submit an observation, please go to the utahavalanchecenter.org's DETAILED INFO drop down menu and submit a Backcountry Observation. We would appreciate it! |
type | aspect/elevation | characteristics |
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Above treeline
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description
With wind, there is going to be wind slabs. Perhaps a bit preemptive this morning, but if the forecast proves right, wind slabs will be our primary concern the next 24 hours. |
type | aspect/elevation | characteristics |
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Above treeline
Near treeline
Below treeline
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description
Persistent slabs are still evident in the backcountry and will continue to plague southeast Utah until spring. Below treeline, the current snow pack does not hold enough energy for these to be a concern, yet I am concerned about locations at and above treeline still. There is a significant amount of avalanche terrain real estate that do not get much skier traffic until spring. Think about why these locations usually wait for spring tours. These committing, steep and shady slopes are locations I'm concerned with. |
weather Today: Snow showers with areas of blowing snow. High near 25. Breezy, with a southwest wind 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible. |
general annoucements The Friends of the La Sal Avalanche Center are an important partner to the Utah Avalanche Center-Moab. They assist by providing field observers, maintaining weather stations and purchase weather and safety equipment. Go to our partners website at www.moabavalanche.org to donate today. The Utah Avalanche Center-Moab is on Facebook! Get update and advisories by becoming a friend today. |