Avalanche Advisory
Advisory: Moab Area Mountains Issued by Eric Trenbeath for Friday - March 13, 2015 - 7:04am
bottom line

The avalanche danger is generally LOW this morning but will rise to MODERATE as day time heating causes the danger for wet slide activity to rise on all aspects. There also still remains an isolated danger for triggering a dry persistent slab. Though "pockety" in nature, this danger may exist on steep, rocky terrain, right around tree line and above on slopes that have a NW-N-E aspect.




current conditions

La Sal Mountains

NE winds picked up last night blowing in the 25-35 mph range on Pre Laurel Peak. This may have put the hurt on what has been an incredible run of undisturbed, re-crystallized powder conditions in the high alpine. You may have to seek more sheltered terrain for similar snow conditions today. Overnight lows in the low 20's have put a solid refreeze on the snowpack, and icy crusts will abound on sun exposed aspects this morning. Expect things to get sloppy by mid-day. .

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

Mixed bag conditions and overall low coverage remain the order in the Abajos. Northerly aspects at upper elevations have as much as 4' of snow, while wind and sun exposed slopes are still showing rocks and grass.

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 10 hours
description

Today the danger for wet slide activity will rise on all aspects as the day heats up. Even lower to mid elevation northerly aspects will be subject as warmer temperatures turn the un-consolidated snow into a sloppy mess. Timing is everything this time of year. Stay off of and out from under steep slopes if you notice the snow getting sloppy or see signs of instability such as pinwheels, roller balls, or loose snow sluffs.
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

The danger for triggering a persistent slab has greatly diminished, and people have been pushing into much larger terrain than is typical for the La Sals without incident. The danger now is very isolated and "pockety" but it does still exist in areas of steep, rocky terrain right around tree line or just above on slopes with a NW-N-E aspect.

weather

Skies should clear out today with a few lingering clouds over the mountains. High temps at 10,000' will be in the mid 30's with ENE blowing at 15-20 mph along ridge tops. High pressure is rebuilding with increasingly warmer temperatures over the weekend.

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.