Avalanche Advisory
Advisory: Moab Area Mountains Issued by Eric Trenbeath for Saturday - January 17, 2015 - 6:47am
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There is a MODERATE danger for triggering a recently deposited wind slab on all aspects steeper than 35 degrees, primarily at upper elevations, in areas that you can detect recent deposits of wind drifted snow. There also remains a MODERATE danger of triggering a persistent slab on steep, upper elevation slopes with a NW-N-E aspect, particularly in rocky areas that have a thin snowpack.




current conditions

La Sal Mountains

Conditions are becoming more mixed out there. Wind from all directions and a strong sun have affected the snow surface in exposed locations. Best bet for good powder conditions is on sheltered slopes below tree line. Ridge top winds yesterday were in the 15-25 mph range from the WSW. About 5:00 a.m. this morning they switched to the WNW increasing to 25-35 mph. It is currently 13 degrees on Pre Laurel Peak and 25 at the Geyser Pass Trailhead.

Wind speeds and temperature at 11,700' on Pre-Laurel Peak.

New snow totals and temperature at Geyser Pass Trailhead.

New snow totals and temperature in Gold Basin.

Abajo / Blue Mountains

Last week's storm dropped 10-14" of new snow on the Abajo's which in some cases nearly doubled the snow pack. Nevertheless, it was enough snow to prompt people out to enjoy it. Soft powder conditions exist on sheltered terrain below tree line. In these areas the base depth ranges from 20-30" of snow. Sunnier aspects remain extremely shallow as most were down to bare ground prior to last week's storm. For an observation report from Friday, January 16 click here.

Winds and temperature on Abajo Peak.

Snow total at Buckboard Flat.


recent activity

The storm on Monday, January 12 produced several storm slab avalanches with at least one that stepped down into persistent weak layers. Here is a list of the most recent avalanches.

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

Today expect to find stiff wind slabs in upper elevation terrain along ridge crests and on the lee sides of terrain features. SW winds yesterday shifting to NW and back to SE today will make these slabs possible on all aspects. Avoid slopes steeper than 35 degrees in areas where you can detect recent deposits of wind drifted snow. Look for smooth rounded pillows that have a hollow feel to them, and watch for signs of instability such as cracking in the snow surface.

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

Earlier this week, a natural storm slab avalanche stepped down into a buried weak layer, proof that the danger remains for triggering a persistent slab on upper-mid to upper elevation slopes steeper than 35 degrees that have a NW-N-E aspect, particularly in areas of rocky terrain that have a thin shallow snowpack.

weather

Today will be sunny and a bitbreezy in the mountains. High temperatures at 10,000' will be near 30 degrees. NW winds in the 10-15 mph range will shift to the SE with gusts as high as 30. A few clouds will move in tonight making for partly sunny skies on Sunday.

general announcements


Road Conditions: The road is plowed and clear. 

Grooming Conditions: Trails were freshly groomed on yesterday. 

Observations: If you are out and about, I would love to know what you are seeing. Please post your observations here.

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This advisory is from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This advisory describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always exist. This advisory will be updated on Saturday, January 3 or sooner if conditions warrant.