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Forecast for the Moab Area Mountains

Eric Trenbeath
Issued by Eric Trenbeath on
Wednesday morning, December 18, 2019
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. Most other terrain offers LOW danger.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
Learn how to read the forecast here
Special Announcements
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 yesterday. Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends who are so affected by this tragedy.
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: Expect to find a trace to an inch of snow on the road over a snow-packed and slick surface. All-wheel drive vehicles with good tires will be required.
Grooming update: It's been more than a week since Matt rolled and packed into Gold Basin and conditions are a bit rugged. I'll be picking up the other machine this week and we'll be able to start running the Ginzu groomer.
Weather and Snow
24 Hour Snow 0" Weekly Snow 2" Base Depth in Gold Basin 29" Wind SE 10-15 mph Temp 12F
Not much change up in the mountains. North winds yesterday may have formed a few fresh drifts. Next chance for a storm looks to be around Christmas. See links below for real-time weather conditions.
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 yesterday. 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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