Avalanche Advisory
Advisory: Moab Area Mountains Issued by Eric Trenbeath for Saturday - February 17, 2018 - 6:27am
bottom line

The avalanche danger remains CONSIDERABLE on steep slopes facing NW-N-E at mid and upper elevations, and human triggered avalanches 1-3' deep are likely in these areas. Incremental snow and wind loading throughout the week has kept the pressure on our fragile snowpack, and though it is exciting to finally see some snow, now is not the time to rush into avalanche terrain. Stick to lower angle slopes and avoid areas with recently deposited, wind drifted snow.




special announcement

Episode 5 of the UAC podcast "To Hell in a Heartbeat - A Conversation With Tom Diegel and Matt Clevenger About the 12.26.08 Full Burial on Little Water" is live. Matt and Tom talk about the avalanche documented in To Hell in a Heartbeat. Check it out on ITunes, Stitcher, the UAC blog.​

The UAC Marketplace is still open. Our online marketplace still has deals on skis, packs, airbag packs, beacons, snowshoes, soft goods and much more.
current conditions

It's going to be a gorgeous day in the mountains with sunny skies, light westerly winds, and warm temperatures. Snow has been trickling in since last Saturday, and little by little it's been adding up to a total of 17-20" at 1.5" - 2" water weight. Coverage remains thin but folks on sleds and skis are starting to venture off trail and we finally have a base. Nevertheless, rocks and deadfall still present serious, day ruining obstacles so be carfeul out there!

I was down in the Abajos yesterday, but Dave Garcia submitted this observation detailing his travels in the La Sals.

Base depth at Geyser Pass Trailhead: 23"

Base depth in Gold Basin: 34"

New snow totals in Gold Basin.

Snow totals at the Geyser Pass Trailhead, (9600')

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

Road conditions to Geyser Pass Trailhead: The road has not been plowed since the last storm. Many vehicles have driven up but 4wd is required.

Grooming conditions: Trails were groomed yesterday into Gold Basin.

recent activity

Dave Garcia observed the first significant avalanche activity of the season in Talking Mountain Cirque. The slides likely occurred on Thursday when the new snow load finally tipped the balance on our weak snowpack. All similar slopes should be considered equally as likely to avalanche with the additional weight of a skier or rider.


Natural avalanche in Talking Mountain Cirque. Dave Garcia photo.
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

Incremental loading over the past week has kept the pressure on our fragile snowpack. Backcountry travelers are still reporting collapsing, and yesterday Dave Garcia observed natural avalanche activity in Talking Mountain Cirque. Similar slopes are primed and ready. Unstable snow exists on W-N-E facing slopes at mid and upper elevations, and human triggered avalanches from 1-3' deep remain likely in these areas. It's not a pretty picture and even as things begin to quiet down, steep, northerly facing terrain will want to be avoided for the forseeable future.

Avalanche Problem 2
type aspect/elevation characteristics
LIKELIHOOD
LIKELY
UNLIKELY
SIZE
LARGE
SMALL
TREND
INCREASING DANGER
SAME
DECREASING DANGER
over the next 24 hours
description

Throughout the week in the high country, drifting snow has formed wind slabs along the lee sides of ridge crests and terrain features. High winds earlier in the week formed slabs further down the slope than usual, while more recently, shallow soft slabs have formed near the crests. Avoid areas that have a smooth, rounded appearance, or that look like likely deposition zones for wind drifted snow. A triggered wind slab also has the potential to step down creating a deeper, more dangerous, persistent slab avalanche.

weather

Another beautiful day is on tap with sunny skies, light westerly winds, and temps at 10,000' climbing into the mid 30's. Out next storm is on track for Sunday night into Monday.


general announcements

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This information does not apply to developed ski areas or highways where avalanche control is normally done. This advisory is from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This advisory describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.