Avalanche Advisory
Advisory: Moab Area Mountains Issued by Eric Trenbeath for Saturday - April 8, 2017 - 6:42am
bottom line

The avalanche danger is mostly LOW, but after two nights without a solid refreeze, we may see an increased likelihood for loose, wet slide activity. Signs of instability include roller balls, pinwheels, or actual loose, wet sluffing. Stay off of steep slopes with sloppy, wet or punchy snow.




current conditions

I can't think of many reasons to go up into the mountains today beyond a fondness for wind. Currently blowing in the 20-30 mph range with gusts to 40 along ridge tops, southerly winds will continue to howl ahead of a Pacific storm system tracking through to the north. We did not get a solid re-freeze last night, and snow conditions are a mixed bag of crusty, punchy and wind blasted surfaces. It's currently 30 degrees on Pre Laurel Peak and 37 in Gold Basin.

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

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

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

recent activity

Other than a few small point releases, no avalanche activity was reported.

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

Direct sun won't be a factor today, but after two nights without a solid refreeze, look for an increasing probability for loose, wet avalanche activity. Signs of instability include roller balls, pinwheels, or actual loose, wet sluffing. Stay off of steep slopes with sloppy, wet or punchy snow.

weather

Today look for mostly cloudy skies, strong southerly winds and a slight chance for snow. High temperatures at 10,000' will be near 40 degrees.

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.