Avalanche Advisory
Advisory: Moab Area Mountains Issued by Eric Trenbeath for Tuesday - January 10, 2017 - 7:21am
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The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE today as strong winds and blowing snow have created dangerous avalanche conditions in upper-mid, and upper elevation wind exposed terrain. The danger is most acute on steep slopes that face N-NE-E, and human triggered avalanches are likely in these areas. Avoid slopes steeper than about 30 degrees that have recent deposits of wind drifted snow. At mid and lower elevations, and in less wind affected terrain, the avalanche danger is MODERATE.




special announcement

Plowing: Grand County has no plans for plowing today. It appears that most of the snow fell above the parking lot but you may encounter some drifting on the road.

Backcountry 101 Avalanche Course

We will be offering a Backcountry 101 avalanche class on Feb 3, 4. This course will include a night classroom session and a day in the field. Cost is $125 with proceeds to benefit the Utah Avalanche Center Moab. For more information or to sign up go here.

Grand County Search and Rescue and the Winter Rescue Team conduct joint training.

GCSAR and WRT held a joint training session on Saturday above the Geyser Pass Trailhead. Thanks to everyone who turned out, and a big shout out to ex Alta ski patroller Scott Sole for lending his expertise. It's a crack group who have proved their skills time and time again. We are fortunate to have such a resource here in our little mountain range.


Scott Sole explains the finer points of avalanche rescue. (photo by Bego Gerhart)


Team members engage in probe line practice. (photo by Bego Gerhart)

current conditions

Yesterday was not quite the wind and snow apocalypse that was forecasted, but it was wild enough to cause an increase in the avalanche danger. 6-7" of new snow fell above 10,000', and southwest winds hammered all day in the 25-40 mph range with gusts into the 50's. Today, it will be a question of finding the snow in wind exposed areas and you will have to seek out sheltered terrain for the best conditions. Winds backed off and shifted to the northwest around midnight . They are currently in the single digits and temperatures at 10,000' are in the low 20's.

Storm totals and temperature in Gold Basin.(10,000')

Wind, temperature and humidity on Pre Laurel Peak.(11,700')

Snow totals, temperature and snow/water equivalent at the Geyser Pass Trailhead. (9600')

Wind exposed, south and west facing slopes have taken a hit, especially above tree line. Best bet for good snow is to seek out sheltered locations. (photo by Reed Kennard) A report of his travels can be found here.

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

Wind slabs on top of wind slabs exist at upper-mid to upper elevations, and snow has been deposited further down slope than is usual. The danger will be most acute on upper elevation slopes that face N-NE-E, but with winds of this intensity cross loading is a factor and you may encounter wind slabs on all aspects. Suspect smooth rounded pillows and look for cracking in the snow surface. Avoid slopes steeper than about 30 degrees where wind loading has occurred.

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

Stability tests over the past couple of weeks have shown an increasingly stable, underlying snowpack, and buried weak layers have mostly proven to be non-reactive. However, isolated areas of concern remain on steep, northerly facing slopes right around tree line and above and the new snow load will provide a decent test. I received this report from Brian Sparks on Sunday, who turned off from a NE facing slope right around tree line due to a collapse, and the presence of a weak layer that propagated under an extended column test. Recent deposits of wind drifted snow should be enough to keep you out of these areas for the time being, but I'd also wait a few days for the snowpack to adjust to the added load before venturing into this type of terrain.

This Dave Garcia photo illustrates a weak layer of concern. Taken on Wednesday, up to 10" of new snow, or more if drifted, now sits on top of the old snow surface.

weather

Today

A 50 percent chance of snow, mainly after 3pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 26. Breezy, with a southwest wind around 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Total daytime snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Tonight

Snow, mainly after 7pm. Patchy blowing snow. Low around 19. Breezy, with a southwest wind around 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.

Wednesday

Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. Areas of blowing snow. High near 25. Breezy, with a west southwest wind around 25 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 5 to 9 inches possible.

Wednesday Night

Snow likely. The snow could be heavy at times. Areas of blowing snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 15. Breezy, with a southwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

Thursday

Snow. The snow could be heavy at times. High near 22. Breezy, with a south southwest wind 15 to 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Thursday Night

Snow. Low around 15. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

general announcements

Road Conditions: Expect to find accumulating and drifting snow on the road today at the upper end..

Grooming: Trails are scheduled to be groomed this afternoon.

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The information in this advisory is from the US Forest Service which is solely responsible for its content. This advisory describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.