Avalanche Advisory
Advisory: Moab Area Mountains Issued by Eric Trenbeath for Thursday - January 22, 2015 - 6:14am
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The danger remains MODERATE for triggering a persistent slab on steep, upper elevation slopes with a NW-N-E aspect, particularly in rocky areas that have a thin snowpack. Elsewhere in the range the danger is generally LOW but normal mountain travel precautions are advised. Continue to be on the lookout for recent deposits of wind drifted snow in exposed upper elevation locations.
current conditions

La Sal Mountains

It's a mixed bag of conditions out there. Wind from all directions and a strong sun have affected the snow surface in exposed locations. Best bet for good "recycled" powder conditions is on sheltered slopes below tree line. NE winds yesterday blew in the 20-25 mph range along ridge tops. Last night they shifted to ESE and picked up into the 30 mph with gusting into the 40's. Temperatures have been steadily dropping and it's a frigid 4 degrees on Pre Laurel Peak and 8 at the Geyser Pass Trailhead.

Thanks to everyone who has posted recent observations.

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.

Low snow conditions prevail but soft powder can be found on sheltered terrain below tree line. In these areas the base depth ranges from 20-30" of snow. Sunnier aspects remain extremely shallow.

Winds and temperature on Abajo Peak.

Snow total at Buckboard Flat.
recent activity
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

Buried weak layers remain in the snowpack and observers agree that we still can't let our guard down against the possibility of triggering a dangerous persistent slab. Though signs of instability aren't always presenting themselves, two wind slab releases over the past couple of weeks, one possibly skier triggered, have stepped down into buried persistent weaknesses producing large and dangerous avalanches. The danger for triggering a persistent slab exists primarily 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.
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

Elsewhere in the range the avalanche danger is generally low but normal caution for mountain travel is advised. Though there isn't much snow available for transport, strong winds yesterday and last night may have deposited recent wind slabs along the lee sides of terrain features at upper elevations. In addition, as the surface snow breaks down and weakens, there will be the potential for loose snow sluffs on steep terrain on the shadier aspects.

weather

Nothing exciting in the weather department as conditions remain high and dry. Today look for sunny skies with high temperatures at 10,000' to be in the mid 20's. ENE winds will blow at 10-15 mph adding an extra chill to the air. Saturday looks to be more of the same with temperatures rising to near 40 degrees on Sunday.

general announcements


Road Conditions: The road is plowed and clear. 

Grooming Conditions: Trails are scheduled to be groomed on Monday and Friday. 

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 Thursday, January 22.