Avalanche Advisory
Advisory: Moab Area Mountains Issued by Eric Trenbeath for Monday - March 30, 2015 - 6:36am
bottom line

Timing is everything this time of year. The avalanche danger is generally LOW in the morning but could rise to MODERATE as daytime heating increases the danger for wet slide activity on all aspects. Watch for signs of instability such as sloppy snow conditions and loose snow sluffing.




special announcement

With spring conditions in full effect, this advisory will be updated on Monday and Friday barring a significant change in the weather and or avalanche conditions. Conditions are generally predictable at this time with daytime heating increasing the danger for wet slide activity. Timing is everything and it is important to be off of steep slopes as they become wet and sloppy.The presence of an overnight freeze helps to stabilize conditions each day. The lack of a re-freeze constitutes a trend of continued instability. Check the weather links under current conditions for current and overnight temperatures.
current conditions

La Sal Mountains

Though we continue to have solid overnight freezes, it is getting more difficult to find a slope that has snow on it for good corn skiing. Most slopes that have a southeast through westerly component to them are nearly all melted off. East through northerly facing slopes still have plenty of snow, but they are a mixed bag of dry, re-crystallized "powder," and wind affected snow at upper elevations, and sun crusted, unconsolidated glop at lower elevations.

Northerly facing slopes still have plenty of snow. It is going to take awhile before they turn to corn however.

Weather station guru Ed Grote heading up the NW ridge of Mount Mellenthin. Bare south faces of the North Group in the distance.

La Sal Weather Data

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

Spring conditions and overall low coverage remain the order in the Abajos.

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

Timing is everything this time of year and you need to pay attention to a rising danger for wet slide activity on all aspects as the day heats up. 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.
weather

The mountains may see some clouds and a slight chance for showers on Monday. High, dry and unseasonably warm temperatures continue through mid week. Daytime highs at 10,000' will be around 50 degrees.

It also looks like we may start to see some spring winds. By Thursday, things will cool down with high temps at 10,000' reaching only about 40 degrees and even cooler on Friday.

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.