Avalanche Advisory
Advisory: Moab Area Mountains Issued by Eric Trenbeath for Saturday - February 25, 2017 - 6:43am
bottom line

There remains a MODERATE danger for triggering wind slabs old and new on steep, wind drifted slopes that face NW-N-SE. Time and cold temperatures have helped lock many of these slabs into place, but ominous pillows of wind drifted snow still exist on the leeward sides of ridge crests and terrain features right around tree line and above. Continue to avoid, steep, wind drifted slopes. Pay special attention to heavily featured slopes, or those that have steep convexities or blind break overs.

Low elevations and more sheltered terrain offer mostly LOW danger.




special announcement

Earlier this month, Colorado experienced a snowbike fatality. This is the newest user group to venture into avalanche terrain, and we have several snowbikes here in Moab. It's a tragic story, and a complex situation where the victim had an airbag but wasn't wearing a beacon. Read the story in the official report from the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.

current conditions

Skies are clear this morning and it is again frigid out with below zero temperatures above 10,000'. Westerly winds are averaging 10-15 mph along ridge tops with gusts to 20. Another inch or two of snow has trickled in over the past 24 hours bringing totals since Wednesday up to about 7". Conditions have improved but you can still feel the underlying snow surface on most slopes. Stick to sheltered, and even lower angle terrain for the softest conditions.

For recent observations go here.

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

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

Snow totals, temperature and snow/water equivalent at the Geyser Pass Trailhead. (9600')
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 formed on Thursday have had a few days to gain strength, and the cold temperatures have also helped lock them in place, but I don't think it is quite time to push the envelope into more extreme terrain. Continue to avoid steep, wind drifted slopes right around tree line and above. Pay special attention to heavily featured slopes, or those that have steep convexities or blind break overs.

weather

Today look for mostly sunny skies and cold temperatures with a high of around 15 degrees at 10,000'. Southwest ridge top winds will blow in the 10-15 mph range. We may see a few developing clouds and some convective showers as we ride an unstable westerly flow through Sunday. The next system and chance for real snow arrives on Monday.

general announcements

Road conditions: The road to Geyser Pass Trailhead has not been plowed this week but vehicles with all wheel drive shouldn't enounter any problems. Expect snow packed conditions.

Longtime local skier Craig Bigler lost a ski in the North Woods on Thursday. If you run across it please give him a call at 435-260-1007.

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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.