Avalanche Advisory
Advisory: Moab Area Mountains Issued by Eric Trenbeath for Tuesday - November 17, 2015 - 6:42am
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There is a MODERATE danger for triggering recently deposited wind slabs in upper elevation, wind exposed terrain on slopes steeper than 35 degrees that have a W-N-SE aspect. There also remains a MODERATE danger for triggering a persistent slab avalanche on slopes steeper than 35 degrees that have a NW-N-E aspect.




current conditions

About 6 inches of snow has fallen Geyser Pass Trailhead since yesterday morning, with most of it coming in last night. Forecasted strong winds failed to materialize though that can be looked at as a good thing. Overnight winds were in the single digits on Pre Laurel Peak shifting from SE to NW around 2:00 a.m. They are currently almost non-existent averaging 1 mph and "gusting" to 6. It is a frigid 10 degrees up there, and 24 degrees at the Geyser Pass Trailhead.

Though not contributing greatly to the base, the new snow will freshen things up quite a bit. but remember that it is still a shallow, early season snowpack with lots off obstacles lurking beneath the surface.

Base depth at Geyser Pass Trailhead: 28"

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

Be on the lookout for recent deposits of wind drifted snow, primarily above tree line and on the lee sides of ridge crests and terrain features. Carefully assess slopes steeper than 35 degrees, and look for smooth rounded pillows and cracking in the snow. Slabs won't be deep, but a ride this time of year won't be fun over the rocks and stumps that lie just below the surface.

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

I don't think the new snow has added a significant load to the snowpack, but there still remains a MODERATE danger for triggering a slide on a buried weak, faceted layer that formed prior to last week's storm. This danger would most likely be found on mid to upper elevation slopes, steeper than 35 degrees that have an E-N-NW aspect.

weather

That looks to be it for awhile with dry and mostly sunny conditions on tap for the rest of the week. A couple of weak systems will move into the region over the weekend though they appear to be on track to the north.

Today

Mostly sunny, with a high near 37. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with a low around 20. North northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 43. West northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.

Wednesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 24. West northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.

Thursday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 46. South wind around 5 mph becoming west in the afternoon.

Thursday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 28.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 48.

general announcements

This signals the start of the official season with advisories posted over the weekends with mid-week updates as conditions warrant. 

The Road to the Geyser Pass Trailhead is plowed but with patches of ice and packed snow. 

Thanks for sending in your observations. You can view Moab observations here. To post an observation go here.

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This information does not apply to developed ski areas or highways where avalanche control is normally done.  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.