Avalanche Advisory
Advisory: Moab Area Mountains Issued by Eric Trenbeath for Friday - March 31, 2017 - 6:50am
bottom line

Today will be a day of changing conditions as wind and new snow create a corresponding rise in the avalanche danger. The danger this morning is generally LOW, but will quickly rise to MODERATE, and possibly even CONSIDERABLE by days end. The danger will be highest on steep slopes above tree line that face NW-N-E. Backcountry travelers will need to maintain a high level of awareness, as fresh drifts and wind slabs form on the leeward sides of ridge crests and terrain features. Look for signs of instability such as cracking in the snow surface, and avoid steep slopes with recent deposits of wind drifted snow.




special announcement

The road to the Geyser Pass Trailhead has not been plowed this week and snow and mud will be encountered.

current conditions

Southeasterly ridge top winds are cranking in the 20-30 mph range, with gusts as high as 50, ahead of a storm system that will impact our area today and tonight. Snow has not yet begun to fall but 5-10" are possible by tomorrow morning. Today will be a day of changing conditions as new snow and wind create a rise in the avalanche danger. It's currently a warm 33 degrees at the Geyser Pass Trailhead, and 20 on Pre Laurel Peak.

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

Winds, temperature and humidity on Pre Laurel Peak (11,700'
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

Newly formed wind slabs will be the primary concern today. Be alert to fresh drifts of wind deposited snow on the lee sides of ridge crests and terrain features, primarily in upper elevation, wind exposed terrain. They will start out shallow and isolated, becoming more widespread throughout the day. Be alert to signs of instability such as cracking in the snow surface and avoid steep slopes that have recent deposits of wind drifted snow. The danger will be most acute above tree line on slopes that face NW-N-E.
weather

A significant storm system will affect our area today and tomorrow with 5-10" of snow possible by tomorrow morning. Today look for snow, and breezy southeast winds in the 20-25 mph range. High temperatures at 10,000' will be in the mid to upper 30's. Snow will linger through the night with clear, dry weather lined up through the weekend.

general announcements

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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.