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Forecast for the Moab Area Mountains

Dave Garcia
Issued by Dave Garcia on
Wednesday morning, March 8, 2023
Today the avalanche danger is MODERATE. Your primary concern is triggering an avalanche in wind drifted snow near treeline and above on slopes that face NW-N-NE-E.
It is POSSIBLE to trigger an avalanche on buried persistent weak layers on all steep slopes that face NW-N-NE-E. These avalanches can be 1-3 feet deep.
Most other terrain has generally LOW danger.
Backcountry travelers should avoid wind drifted slopes and be able to determine the absence of a weak layer before committing to terrain steeper than 30 degrees.
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Learn how to read the forecast here
Special Announcements
Geyser Pass Road: The road is OPEN and has been recently plowed and widened.
Grooming: Matt groomed all trails on Tuesday and they are in great shape.
To help you safely enjoy the backcountry, the UAC team is constantly evaluating and implementing new programs and technologies. Donate to the Spring Campaign to help our team implement innovative tools and better provide you with the information you rely on.
Weather and Snow
6:00 a.m. Snow and Weather Data
24 Hour Snow 0" 72 Hour Snow 0" Season Total Snow 229" Base Depth at Gold Basin 79"
Winds on Pre Laurel Peak SSE 17 G 27 Temp 22
Weather
Strong winds out of the SSW will continue today, starting out in the 20-25 mph range and increasing to 30-35 mph later today. High temps will be in the upper 20's with partly sunny skies. Overnight the winds ramp up to 35-40 mph. Tomorrow the winds will calm down and shift to the WNW blowing 10-15 mph with mostly sunny skies. Strong winds and clouds return Friday ahead of a storm that is shaping up to bring snow for the weekend.
General Conditions
It's a really mixed bag out there. Sun crusts, mashed potatoes, breakable wind crust, sastrugi, and even some soft powder in the most sheltered north facing terrain. Alpine terrain has been ravaged by recent strong winds and is a rough landscape with heavy scouring alternating with deep drifts. Five consecutive days of strong winds have left behind old, hard slabs of wind drifted snow near and above treeline. This is your main avalanche concern today. If you are traveling on Northerly aspects you'll want to get out your shovel and look for buried weak layers that exist on some slopes in the top meter of the snowpack.
The wind has really done a number on alpine terrain.
For recent observations go here. If you are getting out in the backcountry, let us know what you find.
Snowpack and Weather Data
Gold Basin Storm Stake (10,000')
Gold Basin SNOTEL site (10,000')
SNOTEL site near Geyser Pass Winter Trailhead (9600')
Wind Station on Pre-Laurel Peak (11,400')
NWS forecast for the La Sal Mountains.
Recent Avalanches
No recent avalanches have been reported. See the La Sal avalanche database here.
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Avalanche Problem #1
Wind Drifted Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Most Northerly slopes near treeline and above are fat with old, hard slabs of wind drifted snow. Some of these slabs may be overlying buried weak layers. Many of these drifts will be locked in place by now. However, if you go looking for it, there are still some places where it is possible to trigger an old drift. The danger with these lingering old drifts is they will allow you to get well out onto them before they break. Hard slabs of wind drifted snow will sound hollow and drum-like when you walk on them.
Avalanche Problem #2
Persistent Weak Layer
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
In our recent travels we have been finding reactive weak layers in the upper meter of the snowpack. The distribution of these layers is spotty - they exist in some places and not in others. Regardless, these layers are capable of producing avalanches. The strategy right now for Northerly aspects is to dig occasional pits and look for facets as you ascend. If this is beyond your skill set, choose a different aspect or keep your slope angles under 30 degrees.
For more information about these faceted weak layers, read my fieldwork from my recent travels.
Additional Information
General Announcements
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. This forecast will be updated by 7:30 tomorrow morning.
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