Avalanche Advisory
Advisory: Moab Area Mountains Issued by Eric Trenbeath for Friday - March 9, 2018 - 6:53am
bottom line

The avalanche danger is MODERATE on steep slopes, primarily above treeline that have recent deposits of wind drifted snow. Areas of MODERATE danger also exist for human triggered avalanches 1- 3' deep. These will be most pronounced at and above treeline on steep northwest to north to southeasterly facing slopes. Elsewhere the avalanche danger is generally LOW.
special announcement

Episode 6 of the UAC podcast "A Conversation with Tom Kimbrough" is live. We explore ideas about lifetime exposure to risk and what role Buddhism has played in his life as a climber, skier, and soon-to-be octogenarian. We talk about what has changed over the years in snow science and the role of mentorship in the world of avalanche forecasting and other professions and pursuits. 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.

INSTAGRAM! We now have a UAC-Moab Instagram page. You can find it here....but better yet follow us on your smartphone. Confused? Ask a teenager.

current conditions

A few high clouds are streaming over the area, winds are light and westerly, and 10,000' temps are in the low 20's. Conditions are mixed out there with some soft settled powder still to be found in sheltered areas. The strong sun and warm temps yesterday moistened exposed slopes and they will be well crusted over this morning. People are venturing off trail these days on sleds and skis, making do with what's available, and a party I encountered yesterday was raving about the turns they had made. It's all about expectations in a season like this.

Base depth in Gold Basin: 37" Base depth at Geyser Pass Trailhead: 25"

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 is plowed and but snowpacked and icy in places. Good tires and at least front-wheel drive recommended.

Grooming conditions: All trails are rolled out through Geyser Pass, with fresh cordurouy into Gold Basin.

It looks thin but this is actually a decent amount of snow on the North Face of Mount Mellenthin. It often looks like this even on good years due to wind exposure. Tim Mathews 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

The likelihood of triggering a persistent slab avalanche is diminshing but many areas still remain where buried weak, faceted snow is providing an unstable layer. In many cases, these weak layers are currently dormant but they will likely become active again with an addtional snow load. In isolated areas, the additional weight of a skier or rider will be enough to trigger a dangerous avalanche up to 3' deep. The only way to really know for sure is to dig down and look at the snow. Suspect steep slopes and areas with rocky, extreme terrain that face primarily NW-N-E, right around tree line and above. At upper elevations there may be some outlying problem areas that face west or southeast.

Check out this great video from Tim Mathews that illustrates the problem:
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

Wind drifted snow and old hard wind slabs are scattered liberally through the high country primarily on slopes that face NW-NE-SE. Most of these slabs are pretty strong now, but there may be a few out there that could release under the weight of a skier or rider. Old hard slabs have a nasty tendency to break further back and deeper than expected. In general, it's just good practice to avoid terrain that looks drifted, smooth and rounded, or that has a hollow feel to it.


I took this photo of Noriega's Face on Thursday, March 8. The slope is rife with wind drifted snow.

weather
general announcements

The UAC has new support programs with Outdoor Research and Darn Tough. Support the UAC through your daily shopping. When you shop at Smith's, or online at Outdoor Research, REI, Backcountry.com, Darn Tough, Patagonia, NRS, Stio, Amazon, and eBay a portion of your purchase will be donated to the FUAC. See our Donate Page for more details on how you can support the UAC when you shop.

Benefit the Utah Avalanche Center when you buy or sell on eBay - set the Utah Avalanche Center as a favorite non-profit in your eBay account here and click on eBay gives when you buy or sell. You can choose to have your seller fees donated to the UAC, which doesn't cost you a penny.

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.