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Forecast for the Moab Area Mountains

Eric Trenbeath
Issued by Eric Trenbeath on
Thursday morning, December 19, 2019
Most terrain has LOW danger. Blowing and drifting snow have created an isolated or MODERATE avalanche danger in steep upper elevation terrain. Look for fresh drifts on the lee sides of ridge crests and terrain features such as sub-ridges or gully walls. Signs of instability include cracking in the snow surface.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
Learn how to read the forecast here
Special Announcements
The second UAC podcast of the season "Betting your life - why forecasting is poker not chess - a conversation with Jenna Malone" is now out.
The avalanche beacon tester is up and running at the Geyser Pass trailhead! Walk or ride past the sign on your way up - a red X means your beacon is off or not functioning, a green O means you're good to go! Thanks to UAC volunteer and supporter Kristi Jensen from Coyote Shuttle for helping me get it set up!
Road Conditions: The road is snow-packed and slick. All-wheel drive vehicles with good tires are recommended.
Grooming update: The main machine is back and ready for business! Matt will be up today marking trail and grooming.
Weather and Snow
24 Hour Snow 0" Weekly Snow 2" Base Depth in Gold Basin 28" Wind SE 15-20 mph Temp 13F
The story is the wind. For most of the day yesterday and continuing overnight, SE winds blew in the 25-30 mph range with gusts to 40. The day before we had moderate to strong northerlies. It's been more than 2 weeks since our last significant snow and the surface is getting tired and worn. Dry conditions will continue through the weekend before the first of possibly two troughs track into the region early next week. It's a little far out to say, but it's looking like Christmas could be white.
Wind, temperature, humidity on Pre Laurel Peak (11,700')
Storm totals at Gold Basin Study Plot (10,000').
Snotel site near Geyser Pass Trailhead (9600').
NWS weather forecast.
Recent Avalanches
I'm very sad to report that a 45-year-old man was killed in an avalanche while snowboarding in the backcountry outside of the Canyons Resort in the Wasatch Mountains on Sunday. Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends who are so affected by this tragedy. Here is the final report.
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Avalanche Problem #1
Wind Drifted Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Winds over the past few days have blown around what little snow was available for transport and isolated drifts have formed on the leeward sides of ridge crests and terrain features in upper elevation, wind exposed terrain. Fresh drifts are mostly shallow and shouldn't pose too much of a hazard, but they could sweep you off your feet and carry you over a cliff. Wind drifts are recognizable by their smooth, rounded appearance, and cracking in the snow is a sign of instability. The best practice is to avoid steep slopes with wind drifted snow.
General Announcements
The first UAC podcast of the season " Early Season Essentials with Program Director Bo Torrey" check it out HERE.
Get one of these cool t-shirts to support the UAC and other avalanche centers across the U.S.
This forecast is from the U.S. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This forecast describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.
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