Avalanche Advisory
Advisory: Moab Area Mountains Issued by Eric Trenbeath for Saturday - March 1, 2014 - 6:29am
bottom line

The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE in areas that have recent deposits of wind drifted snow at mid and upper elevations that primarily face the north half of the compass. This means that natural avalanches are possible, and human triggered are likely. This danger applies both to newly formed wind slabs, and to the danger of triggering a deeper, persistent slab. Back country travelers should stay off of and out from under slopes steeper than about 34 degrees in these areas.

There is a MODERATE avalanche danger at lower elevations where recent drifts may have formed on northerly facing aspects.
special avalanche bulletin

  
current conditions

La Sal Mountains

The mountains picked up about 3" of new snow overnight. This brings our storm total to 8" with 1" of water. This translates to some fairly dense snow. The real story has been the wind however, and you will be hard pressed to find any of this new snow on upper elevation, wind exposed, south and westerly aspects. Over the past couple of days, SW winds have blown 30-40 mph along ridge tops with gusts as high as 70 mph and exposed, windward terrain is seriously scoured. Best bet for good, safe conditions, is below tree line in sheltered areas. It is 29 degrees at the Geyser Pass Trailhead and 21 degrees on Pre Laurel Peak.

Winds and temperature on Pre-Laurel Peak (11,705')

Temperature and new snow totals in Gold Basin (10,050')

Total snow depth and temperature near Geyser Pass Trailhead (9850')

Abajo Mountains

Buckboard Flat is reporting 3" of new snow bringing totals up to about 5" in the Abajos. Low snow conditions still prevail, with total water content for the year coming in at 56% of normal. Winds on Abajo Peak have been a bit more behaved, averaging 20 mph from the WSW shifting to SE, with gusting into the 40's. currently 27 degrees at Buckboard Flat, and 22 on Abajo Peak. ' .​

Winds and temperature on Abajo Peak (11,330')

Snow totals at Camp Jackson (8968')
Avalanche Problem 1
type aspect/elevation characteristics
LIKELIHOOD
LIKELY
UNLIKELY
SIZE
LARGE
SMALL
TREND
INCREASING DANGER
SAME
DECREASING DANGER
over the next 24 hours
description

In my travels yesterday, I observed stiff wind slabs and new cornices developing on the lee sides of upper elevation ridge crests. These slabs were up to 18" deep and could be up to 2' deep by today. They were stiff, and stubborn to release, and could lure you farther down a slope than you want to be before releasing. Suspect all wind loaded areas, and look for characteristic, smooth, rounded pillows of recently deposited wind drifted snow.

Avalanche Problem 2
type aspect/elevation characteristics
LIKELIHOOD
LIKELY
UNLIKELY
SIZE
LARGE
SMALL
TREND
INCREASING DANGER
SAME
DECREASING DANGER
over the next 24 hours
description

There is plenty of weak snow under there. I don't think this most recent amount of new snow has been enough to tip the scales for natural releases into old snow. It isn't out of the question however, and the added weight of a skier or rider could be just enough to tip the balance. Areas of weakest snow can be found in steep, rocky, or slightly wooded terrain, facing the north half of the compass. These are nasty, pockety areas where most of the snow pack had turned to facets during the January high pressure. Exercise extra caution right around tree line, where a new slab triggered over top of these weaker layers could step down into a much deeper avalanche.

weather

Snow showers should continue through today with 2"-4" possible. SW winds will continue to howl in the 30-40 mph range. High temperatures at 10,000' will be near 30 degrees.

general announcements

OBSERVATIONS: If you are out and about in the mountains, I'd love to know what you are seeing so please SUBMIT OBSERVATIONS  You can read current OBSERVATIONS HERE.

LUNA GROOMING INFORMATION: They took the roller out yesterday to pack in some of the new snow, but don't expect full grooming until Monday.

ROAD CONDITIONS: The road is not plowed and could be challenging today. Yesterday did see traffic and some of the snow was packed in. 

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