Advisory: Moab Area Mountains | Issued by Max Forgensi for February 20, 2013 - 8:25am |
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Above treeline
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bottom line The Bottom Line for Wednesday will be an Avalanche Danger of Moderated for wind slabs at all elevations and most aspects. Winds have been strong enough to deposit wind slabs in below treeline locations.
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current conditions The storm programmed to hit southeast Utah mid-work week has been affecting areas farther south than expected. It appears that it will affect the area later than expected, if at all. Winds both on Pre-Laurel and Abajo Peak have registered strong winds out of the southeast for the past 24 hours. Averages have been between 18 and 30 mph with gusts as high as 50 mph. Gold Basin still has 48" (120 cm) of snow on the ground. The Geyser Winter TH holds about 32" (80 cm) while Camp Jackson in the Abajos hold 34" (85 cm) of snow on the ground. Basin wide, southeast Utah is 19% below average SWE. Skiing conditions are decent in sheltered, below treeline locations. Sun crusts have formed on south and west aspects below treeline. The higher you go in elevation, expect snow conditions to become more variable and trend towards wind affected. LUNA has been grooming and San Juan County has been plowing. The roads are getting a bit icy in spots. Drivers beware. |
recent activity During Tuesday's Tour, Exxon's Folly slid naturally during the day. North aspect, below treeline (~11,000'), 300+' wide, 400' vertical. This R2D2 slide started mid-track, had a crown of about one foot and was due to wind slabs actively loading due to saltation. For those who would like to take a look at observations posted across the La Sal and Abajo Mountains, click HERE. Thank you to everyone that keeps contributing! |
type | aspect/elevation | characteristics |
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Above treeline
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description
Sensitive wind skins are developing in the La Sal and Abajo Mountains. These wind slabs are forming in locations that are not well anchored. Triggering these slabs is a possibility for backcountry travelers. |
weather Today: Snow showers. High near 27. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 20 mph becoming west 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 2 to 4 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 updates and advisories by becoming a friend today. |