Forecast for the Moab Area Mountains

Eric Trenbeath
Issued by Eric Trenbeath on
Sunday morning, March 8, 2020
Most terrain has generally LOW danger. That said there are still areas where one could trigger an avalanche. Steep, northerly facing terrain right around treeline and below, where the snowpack is thin and weak, is the most suspect. Shallow areas near rock outcroppings or along slope margins are likely trigger points. Daytime heating will be minimal but mid and lower elevations did not get a solid refreeze. Stay off of steep slopes that are wet or punchy. Practice safe travel techniques with an eye toward subtle terrain features that may harbor lingering instabilities.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
Learn how to read the forecast here
Special Announcements
Road Conditions: The road is a mix of dirt, mud and packed snow that gets sloppy later in the day.
Grooming Report: Trails into Gold Basin were groomed on Friday, and Geyser Pass through the Loppet Loop were rolled out.
Weather and Snow
24 Hour Snow 0" Weekly Snow 13" Base Depth in Gold Basin 54" Wind S 15-20 G35 mph Temp 30F
Weather: A weak storm system will move through the region today bringing clouds, breezy SW winds, and trace amounts of snow. High temps will be in the mid 30's. For the upcoming week, another weak system will slip by to the north sometime on Tuesday followed by the potential for a stronger system to affect the southern part of the state on Friday.
Snowpack: Spring-like conditions are in effect. Stout melt-freeze crusts exist on south-facing sun exposed slopes, while northerly facing wind exposed terrain is scoured and firm. Corn-like conditions will be on hold today, and many surfaces will be punchy and unsupportable. Occasional areas of soft, powdery snow can still be found on sheltered aspects. Dave Garcia and Charlie Ramser went big yesterday. Read their observation here.
There is still plenty of loose, weak, sugary snow hanging around on shady aspects right around treeline and below. In some areas, this underlying snow is completely unsupportable. On sun exposed slopes the upper layers are becoming saturated, and in some shallow snowpack areas, the weak, faceted snow underneath is wet to the ground.
Loose, weak, faceted snow makes up much of the underlying snowpack on shady aspects.
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').
Ad
Avalanche Problem #1
Normal Caution
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
The danger is generally LOW but as our weak, wintery snowpack transitions into a spring-like snowpack there are still some isolated concerns out there:
Persistent Weak Layer: In areas where the snowpack is less than about 4' deep, the snowpack on northerly facing slopes is comprised almost entirely of loose, weak, sugary facets. This condition is generally found right around treeline and below. In some of these areas, a soft cohesive slab from last week's storm is sitting on top. You may be able to trigger this slab in areas of very steep, rocky, or sparsely treed, radical terrain. Shallow areas near rock outcroppings or along slope margins are likely trigger points. Even a small avalanche triggered in these areas could have devastating consequences.
Wet Snow: As the snowpack transitions from winter to spring, it's at it's most vulnerable state for wet slide activity when temperatures soar. Shallow snowpack areas have become punchy and unsupportable. Stay off of steep slopes if you find yourself punching through into wet and sloppy snow.
General Announcements
Check out the avalanche beacon training park at the Geyser Pass Trailhead and practice your rescue skills!
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.