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Forecast for the Moab Area Mountains

Eric Trenbeath
Issued by Eric Trenbeath on
Saturday morning, December 7, 2019
The avalanche danger is generally LOW and mostly stable snow conditions exist. LOW danger doesn't mean no danger, and here are a couple things to keep in mind.
Persistent Weak Layer - There is a layer of moderately weak faceted snow at the base of the snowpack. Though unlikely, it may be possible to trigger an avalanche on this weak layer on steep, northerly facing aspects.
Wind Drifted Snow - There may still be some isolated wind slabs scattered around the high country and increasing winds today may form a few more. Always be on the lookout for areas of wind drifted snow. Look for cracking in the snow surface and avoid slopes that sound and feel hollow like a drum.
Carry appropriate rescue gear and continue to practice safe travel techniques such as only putting one person on a slope at a time.
Low
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High
Extreme
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Weather and Snow
Winds on Pre Laurel Peak have been on the increase overnight and are currently averaging 20 mph with gusts to 30. Skies are mostly clear and 10,000' temps are in the low 20's.
It was a beautiful day in the mountains yesterday and today will be a repeat performance. Look for sunny skies, light southwesterly winds, and high temps in the low 30's. Enjoy it while you can - clouds will move in tonight ahead of an approaching storm system that will begin affecting our area in the wee hours of Sunday morning. It's not a big hitter but 4"-6" will provide a nice refresh.
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
No recent avalanche activity has been observed since after the Thanksgiving storm.
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Avalanche Problem #1
Normal Caution
Type
Location
Likelihood
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Description
In our travels yesterday we found mostly stable conditions but we did note some things to keep in mind:
Persistent Weak Layer - There is a layer of moderately weak faceted snow at the base of the snowpack. Stability tests did not produce any failures on this buried weak layer, but you will still want to perform your own stability analysis before jumping into steep, northerly facing terrain.
Wind Drifted Snow - There may still be some isolated wind slabs scattered around the high country and increasing winds today may form a few more. Always be on the lookout for areas of wind drifted snow. Look for cracking in the snow surface and avoid slopes that sound and feel hollow like a drum.
Carry appropriate rescue gear and continue to practice safe travel techniques such as only putting one person on a slope at a time.
General Announcements
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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