Avalanche Advisory
Advisory: Moab Area Mountains Issued by Eric Trenbeath for Tuesday - January 27, 2015 - 7:17am
bottom line

Today their remains a MODERATE danger for wet slide activity on sun exposed slopes as well as on shady aspects at mid-lower elevations. There also remains a ​MODERATE danger for triggering a persistent slab on steep, upper elevation slopes with a NW-N-E aspect, particularly in rocky areas that have a thin, shallow snowpack.
current conditions

La Sal Mountains

Things cooled down a bit last night with temperatures on Pre Laurel Peak dropping into the mid 20's and into the low 30's at 10,000' in Gold Basin. SE winds have been hammering ridge tops in the 30-40 mph range. It's a mixed bag of conditions out there and the snow surface is tired and worn.

Wind damaged snow in Gold Basin.


Thin cover and sun affected snow on southerly aspects above La Sal Pass.

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 snow 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

Though temperatures are slightly cooler, we aren't out of the woods yet with regards to wet slide activity. At mid and lower elevations we didn't get a good refreeze overnight and conditions are likely to remain a bit sloppy. In addition, solar radiation will continue to be a factor until clouds from the approaching weak system move into our area. Pay attention to signs of instability such as wet point releases, roller balls or pinwheels, and sloppy snow up around your boot tops.

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

Buried weak layers remain in the snowpack and we still can't let down our guard against the possibility of triggering a dangerous persistent slab. The danger for triggering a persistent slab exists 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

Look for increasing clouds today as a weak system approaches our area. Scattered rain or snow showers may develop this afternoon with high temperatures at 10,000' approaching 40 degrees. Ridge top winds will be out of the SW in the 20-30 mph range. We may have a better chance for snow as the next system moves in on Friday.
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.