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Forecast for the Moab Area Mountains

Eric Trenbeath
Issued by Eric Trenbeath on
Monday morning, April 11, 2022
The avalanche danger is LOW and the snowpack is generally stable. Human triggered avalanches are unlikely but unstable snow may exist on isolated terrain features or in areas of extreme terrain. Expect an increase in danger by tomorrow from blowing and drifting snow.
The snow will be firm today and slides for life are possible. Consider carrying a tool for self arrest, especially if you are traveling in very steep, consequential terrain.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
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Special Announcements
Road Conditions: The road is down to dry, bare dirt.
Grooming: Done for the season.
Weather and Snow
24 Hour Snow 0" 72 Hour Snow 0" Base Depth at Gold Basin 48" Wind SW 15-20 Temp 22F
A potent storm system off the coast of Washington will move onshore today. SW winds will be on the increase ahead of the advancing system and will blow in the 25-30 mph range with gusts to 40. We'll see a mix of sun and clouds today, with mostly cloudy skies by this afternoon. High temps at 10,000' will be in the upper 30's to near 40F. The leading edge of the trough will enter the region this evening with the best chance for snow coming after midnight. It looks like everyone around us is going to do pretty well but that we're likely to come up light with 4"-6". SW winds tonight are going to crank in the 30-40 mph range with gusts as high as 60! Moist, westerly flow will allow cloudy skies and a slight chance for snow to persist through Wednesday.
Snowpack
If you are willing to brave the wind, there will probably be enough sunshine and warm temps to soften the corn snow on sunny aspects later today. Lines are getting pretty thin on south aspects however. North facing slopes still hold plenty of snow but they are in a transitional state and are crusty and wind affected. Overall, the snowpack is generally stable but it's going to be firm out there. Consider carrying a tool for self arrest, especially if you are traveling in consequential terrain.
Gold Basin SNOTEL site (10,000')
Storm Totals in Gold Basin
Wind Station on Pre Laurel Peak (11,700')
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Avalanche Problem #1
Normal Caution
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Low danger doesn't mean no danger and the La Sals are a big little mountain range where even a small avalanche could have serious consequences in the wrong terrain. As you branch out into the high country and take on bigger objectives, here are a couple of other things to keep in mind:
  • Isolated, unstable wind slabs may still exist in upper elevation, wind exposed terrain. Remain on the lookout for unstable areas of wind drifted snow, especially in consequential terrain where even a small triggered wind slab could carry you over a cliff. Wind slabs are recognizable by their smooth rounded appearance and they may sound hollow underneath.
  • A persistent weak layer of faceted snow still exists on northerly aspects. This weak layer is largely non-reactive however, it could still pose a threat in areas of extreme terrain right around treeline. Minimize your exposure to this problem by avoiding sparsely wooded, steep, rocky, radical terrain right around treeline.
Minimize your risk by continuing to observe safe travel techniques. Maintain awareness of the terrain and only expose one person to danger at a time.
General Announcements
Who's up for some free avalanche training? Get a refresher, become better prepared for an upcoming avalanche class, or just boost your skills. Go to https://learn.kbyg.org/ and scroll down to Step 2 for a series of interactive online avalanche courses produced by the UAC.
This forecast is from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This forecast describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.
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