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Forecast for the Moab Area Mountains

Eric Trenbeath
Issued by Eric Trenbeath on
Friday morning, November 29, 2019
Blowing and drifting snow have created a CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger on wind-exposed terrain primarily on slopes facing NW-N-NE You are most likely to encounter this problem on open scree slopes right around treeline and above that had about a foot or more of pre-existing snow. Mid and low elevation terrain has a MODERATE danger on steep slopes that have recent deposits of wind drifted snow. Most avalanche terrain remains difficult to access due to overall low snow coverage, but if you managed to trigger a pocket of wind drifted snow, a ride over rocks, sticks, or even the ground would be rough.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
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Special Announcements
Grand County plowed after the last storm on Wednesday. Expect to find accumulating and drifting snow on the road today. 4x4 with good tires required.
The First Annual Avalanche Awareness Week is December 2-7 We have a week full of fun and educational events planned. Check out the schedule here.
The annual free Know Before You Go avalanche awareness talk will be held at the Grand County Library on Thursday, Dec 5 at 6:00 p.m. Hope to see you there!
Weather and Snow
As you can see, the story since Wednesday has been the wind. Over the past 24 hours, SE winds have continued to blow solid from the SE in the 30-35 mph range with gusts into the 50's.
Gold Basin is reporting 7" of new snow since yesterday morning. The main brunt of this storm will move through the area today bringing periods of heavy snow with up to a foot of snow possible by late tonight. South winds will continue to crank in the 30-35 mph range with gusts into the 50's. It's also going to be warm with 10,000' temps hovering just below freezing. Snow showers should linger through this evening with gradual clearing overnight. The weekend will be dry and mostly clear.
Wind and warm temperatures have dramatically transformed Tuesday's 25" of low-density powder. Expect to find dense, deep drifts alternating with scoured areas and wind damaged snow. Prior to the storm a "base" 8" or less existed below about 10,000'. Above 10,000' about a foot of snow existed with higher amounts possible. We are on our way, but coverage is still very thin, and rocks, sticks, and deadfall present numerous hazards. To get your winter mountain fix, it's best to confine your riding and turning to roads and known grassy meadows.
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.
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Avalanche Problem #1
Wind Drifted Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Look for areas of blown and drifted snow in wind-exposed terrain on slopes facing W-N-E. The problem will be most acute on open, poorly anchored scree slopes right around treeline and above. Look for areas of wind drifted snow on the leeward sides of ridge crests and terrain features such ss gully walls and sub ridges. Most of this terrain will be difficult to access due to overall low snow coverage, but if you managed to trigger a pocket of wind drifted snow, a ride over rocks, sticks, or even the ground would be rough.
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