Avalanche Advisory
Advisory: Moab Area Mountains Issued by Eric Trenbeath for Saturday - March 31, 2018 - 6:42am
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Areas of isolated or MODERATE danger still exist on steep slopes right around treeline and above that face NW-N-E where it remains possible to trigger a deep persistent slab avalanche 2'- 4' deep, particularly in areas of rocky and more radical terrain. Choose slopes wisely and avoid steep convexities and blind break-overs. Very steep, sparsely wooded terrain right around tree line remains suspect as well.

Most other terrain in the La Sals currently offers LOW danger but backcountry travelers will need to be alert to signs of loose wet snow instability as the day progresses.




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current conditions

Skies are mostly clear, northwesterly winds are averaging 10-15 mph along ridge tops, and 10,000' temps are in the mid 20's. It was a glorious spring day in the mountains yesterday but I must admit, turning conditions leave something to be desired. It's been more than a week since our last snowfall, and the ravages of spring have taken a toll on the snow surface. Local enthusiast Brian Sparks was up yesterday and confirmed my findings with this report. Having said that, travel is fast and easy, views are stunning, and it's a great respite from the business of the surrounding desert.

New snow totals in Gold Basin.

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

Wind, 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

Though isolated, there still remains a persistent slab problem, and human triggered avalanches 2'-4' deep are possible on steep slopes, right around tree line and above that face NW-N-E. It really is a tale of two snow packs - while many open bowls and upper elevation starting zones have deeper snow and a strong over-riding slab, weak, re-active snow still exists in many areas. Brian Spark's snowpit shows what areas with stronger snow look like, while the short clip below illustrates areas of weaker, more reactive snow.

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

Though mostly low danger exists beyond the isolated persistent slab problem, mountain travel in snowy conditions is never risk free. Continue to maintain a regular standard of avalanche awareness by keeping the following points in mind:

-Loose Wet Avalanches With daytime heating be alert to signs of wet instability such as sloppy wet snow, roller balls, pin wheels or even loose sloughs coming down the mountain. Stay off of and out from under steep slopes when these signs are present.

-Wind Slabs The La Sals are a high, isolated, wind swept mountain range that is very susceptible to wind slab development and lingering slabs likely still exist in the high country. Avoid, smooth rounded deposits or areas, that have a hollow sound or feel to them. Even a small wind slab could have dire consequences if triggered in areas of radical terrain.

-Safe Travel Continue to practice safe travel techniques, ride and ski slopes one at a time, make sure your batteries in your beacon are still good, and enjoy the spring conditions!

weather


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.