Avalanche Advisory
Advisory: Moab Area Mountains Issued by Eric Trenbeath for Thursday - February 26, 2015 - 6:29am
bottom line

In the Abajo Mountains there is a CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger on slopes steeper than about 30 degrees in areas that have recent deposits of wind drifted snow. There is also a CONSIDERABLE danger for triggering a deeper avalanche, or buried persistent slab on slopes steeper than 30 degrees that have a NW-N-E aspect. In the La Sal Mountains there is a MODERATE danger for triggering recently deposited shallow wind slabs, primarily on upper elevation, wind exposed terrain.




current conditions

La Sal Mountains

Winds have been up over the past couple of days blowing in the 15-30 mph with gusts into the mid 40's mostly from the WSW, but occasionally swinging northwesterly. Last weekend's storm only delivered 5" of new snow on top of a very variable surface, much of which will be exposed again by the wind. Above and around tree line, expect to find alternating areas of scoured and wind drifted snow. Sheltered, shady aspects offer the best turning conditions though you can still feel the bottom in most places.

La Sal Mountains Current Weather

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

Winds on Abajo Peak have backed off this morning but have been blowing in the 20-30 mph range with gusts into the 40's over the past couple of days from the WNW. The Abajos received 15-20" of much needed snow from last weekend's storm so there is a lot of it to get blown around. Today, expect to find drifted and wind affected snow in exposed areas, and deep powder conditions in sheltered locations. Snow conditions were extremely low prior to this storm and most sun exposed aspects were melted down to the ground so beware of recently buried obstacles such as rocks and stumps.

Thanks to Brian Sparks for this observation from the old Blue Mountain Ski Area.

Abajo / Blue Mountains Current Weather

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

La Sal Mountains

Expect to find stiff wind slabs up to a foot deep on the lee sides of ride crests and terrain features. Above tree line, these slabs may be found adjacent to scoured areas with only subtle terrain features making the difference. Be alert to signs of instability such as cracking in the snow surface and suspect smooth, rounded deposits of wind drifted snow.

Abajo / Blue Mountains

Avalanche conditions in the Abajos are considerably more dangerous where moderate to strong winds and up to 18" of available snow will have combined to create wind slabs over 2' deep. On shady aspects these slabs are overlying a weak and faceted snow pack, and the danger exists for a triggered, newly deposited wind slab, to step down into older weak layers creating a larger and even more dangerous avalanche. Avoid steep terrain and be alert to signs of instability such as cracking in the snow surface and suspect smooth, rounded deposits of 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

In the Abajo Mountains, the new snow has fallen on a very weak and shallow snow pack. A rider triggering an avalanche in the new snow risks the potential of having a slide step down into buried weak layers creating a much larger and more dangerous avalanche. This danger is most prevalent on slopes steeper than about 35 degrees that have a NW-N-E aspect.

weather

A long duration precipitation event, similar to last weekend, is on track to affect our area through early next week. Today look for mostly sunny skies this morning with clouds developing by the afternoon as shortwave energy on a NW flow begins to affect our area. Snow showers should begin on Friday with the best shot looking to be on Saturday and Sunday. High temperatures at 10,000' will be in the low to mid 20's and ridge top winds will be in the 10-15 mph range from the WNW.

Friday: Snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 23. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Friday Night: Snow. Low around 21. Breezy, with a south southwest wind 15 to 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 4 to 8 inches possible.

Saturday: Snow. High near 28. Windy, with a southwest wind 25 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Saturday Night: Snow. Low around 20. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Sunday: Snow likely. Cloudy, with a high near 27. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday Night: Snow likely. Cloudy, with a low around 17.

general announcements

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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.