Moab

We're through issuing regular avalanche forecasts for the season but we'll post condition updates as warranted through the month. I will also continue to post recent observations. Your primary concerns in the spring are loose wet avalanches from daytime heating. Consecutive nights without a freeze can increase the likelihood for more dangerous wet slab avalanches. Plan to get in and out early before slopes become wet and sloppy. Use the weather links below to aid in your trip planning.

I would like to give a huge shout out to all who supported operations this season. This includes everyone who regularly used the forecast to stay safe; our local business sponsors Moab Gear Trader, Talking Mountain Yurts; Mammut, Black Diamond Equipment, Voile, and Arva for setting us up with the gear we need to do our job; the Manti-La Sal National Forest for their tremendous support of this program; and last but not least, our great local community and crew of dedicated observers who provide vital information and assistance throughout the season. Thanks everyone, see you next winter!

See the La Sal avalanche database here.

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.

General Conditions

Spring conditions have yet to take full control. Corn snow has developed on southerly aspects while north facing slopes remain a variable mix of wind affected, dryish, transitional snow. There is also a fair amount of dust on the surface that will become more concentrated as the snow melts. Most of the dust is on south facing slopes near treeline and below and it has really settled into sheltered, low angle terrain. The good news is that north facing slopes are still mostly white and when they finally turn the corner, we stand a chance for good skiing well into May. Cloudy and windy weather won't make for the best conditions Mon-Tue, but sunny, warm days and cold clear nights should make for good corn skiing and riding later in the week.

Looking south to the high peaks surrounding Gold Basin. From left to right: Mounts Peale; Mellenthin, Tukuhnikivatz; Tukno. Still plenty of snow up there! (April 23)

E-SE face of Haystack Mountain. Definitely some dust up there. (April 23)

That's all folks!

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.