Moab, Utah – Backcountry travel in the Abajo and Blue Mountains turns dangerous at 6 a.m. MST Friday as a High avalanche danger rating takes effect through early Saturday.
According to the Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center in Moab, an Avalanche Warning is in effect from 6 a.m. Friday until 6 a.m. Saturday for the Abajo/Blue Mountains of southeast Utah.
Heavy snowfall combined with strong winds has overloaded pre-existing weak layers in the snowpack. Forecasters say both natural and human-triggered avalanches are likely during the warning period.
Natural avalanches may occur without warning.
The warning covers popular backcountry terrain south of Monticello, including areas accessed by Forest Service roads in the Manti-La Sal National Forest. Wind-drifted slopes and steep terrain features will be especially unstable through the day Friday and overnight.
Anyone planning backcountry skiing, snowmobiling or hiking should avoid avalanche terrain and steep slopes immediately. Check the Utah Avalanche Center for updated danger ratings before heading out.
Conditions may gradually stabilize after early Saturday if snowfall decreases, but unstable slabs could linger on wind-loaded slopes. The Avalanche Warning remains in effect through 6 a.m. MST Saturday.
