Avalanche Advisory
Advisory: Moab Area Mountains Issued by Eric Trenbeath for Thursday - March 23, 2017 - 7:10am
bottom line

The avalanche danger is generally LOW this morning but will likely rise to MODERATE by this afternoon. An increase in danger will directly correlate to how much snow we receive today, and how well it bonds to the old snow surface. Backcountry travelers will need to be alert to changing conditions, and be on the lookout for unstable areas of recently deposited, wind drifted snow on the lee sides of ridge crests and terrain features. The danger will be most acute on steep, upper elevation slopes that face N-E-SE
current conditions

Skies are cloudy this morning, blustery, southwest winds are averaging 20-25 mph along ridge tops, and temperatures have finally dropped off to reasonable levels. It's 32 degrees at the Geyser Pass Trailhead and 20 on Pre Laurel Peak. A Pacific storm system is on our doorstep and we should see a few inches of snow today. 3"-6" is possible though I'm betting on the lower amounts. Things will be pretty rugged up there today with a hard, crusted over snow surface, flat light, and blustery winds. Dust on crust conditions will develop as new snow accumulates. Snow totals will have to come in on the higher end for a substantial improvement.

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

Recent deposits of wind drifted snow in upper elevation, wind exposed terrain will be your primary concern today. The extent of the danger will directly correlate to how much snow we receive today, and backcountry travelers will need to be alert to changing conditions. Look for signs of instability such as cracking in the snow surface, and avoid steep slopes with fresh deposits of wind drifted snow.

weather

A Pacific storm system and the beginning of a more progressive pattern will move into our area today bringing snow and slightly cooler than normal temperatures. 3"-5" of snow is possible today, with another 2"-4" possible tonight. High temperatures at 10,000' will be in the upper 20's. Blustery, southwest winds will shift to northwest later in the day, averaging 15-20 mph with higher gusts along ridge tops.

general announcements


Road Conditions: The road to Geyser Pass Trailhead is down to the dirt. Expect a few inches of snow to accumulate later in the day depending on snow levels.

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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.