Avalanche Advisory
Advisory: Moab Area Mountains Issued by Eric Trenbeath for Saturday - March 25, 2017 - 6:58am
bottom line

Today there is a MODERATE danger for wind slab avalanches in upper elevation, wind exposed terrain. Look for smooth rounded deposits of wind drifted snow on the leeward sides of ridge crests and terrain features. Pay attention to consequences, even a shallow slab could take you for a nasty ride over rocks and cliffs in areas of more radical terrain. Mid and lower elevations offer mostly LOW danger.




current conditions

High clouds are starting to move in from the west, southerly ridgetop winds are averaging 20 mph along ridge tops, and 10,000' temperatures are in the low 30's. Strong northwest winds yesterday wreaked havoc on the 5" of new snow we received on Thursday night, and a strong sun added insult to injury. You will have to seek out sheltered terrain for decent powder conditions today.

Traditionally a wet month, March has been tough on our snowpack and we are currently at 77% of normal, with 57" on the ground in Gold Basin. Many south facing slopes are melted out to the rocks, and the snow line has crept up to around 9000'.

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 yesterday may still be sensitive to the weight of a skier or rider. Look for them on the lee sides of ridge crests and terrain features in upper elevation, wind exposed terrain. Suspect steep slopes with smooth, rounded deposits of wind drifted snow, and avoid areas with a hollow feel to them. Pay attention to consequences, even a shallow slab could take you for a nasty ride over rocks and cliffs in areas of more radical terrain.
weather

Mostly clear skies this morning will give way to clouds this afternoon as the next weak storm system moves into our area. We may see an inch or two of new snow later in the day. Southwesterly ridge top winds will blow in the 20-30 mph range. Daytime high temperatures will be in the low 30's at 10,000'. Sunday will see some clearing before and active pattern sets in for next week.

general announcements


Road Conditions: The road to Geyser Pass Trailhead is down to the dirt. Muddy conditions exist the closer you get to the trailhead.

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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.