Moab

The avalanche danger is generally LOW. Small avalanches remain possible on isolated terrain features or in areas of extreme terrain. Be on the lookout for stiff, shallow deposits of wind drifted snow. There are some slick, hard surfaces out there and slide for life conditions may exist. Stay situationally aware and consider carrying tools for self arrest if venturing into larger, steeper terrain. As temperatures increase throughout the week, so will the likelihood for loose wet activity.

Road Conditions: The Geyser Pass road is melted out down to the dirt.

Grooming: Grooming is done for the season.

Click here to see the La Sal avalanche database. Prudent backcountry travelers will want to know what slopes have previously avalanched, as some of these slopes hold shallow, weak snow.

6:00 a.m. Snow and Weather Data

24 Hour Snow 0" 72 Hour Snow 0" Season Total Snow 192" Depth at Gold Basin 56"

Winds on Pre-Laurel Peak: 13 - 17 W Temp 25° F Percent of Normal: 136%

Weather

Today will be a beautiful spring day in the mountains. Under clear skies this morning, it is 25 degrees in Gold Basin. We will see plenty of sunshine and high temperatures in the upper 30s. WNW winds will remain light, and blow around 10 MPH. Tomorrow we can expect highs in the low 40s, with some high clouds moving in, and increasing SW winds. Warm, dry, and breezy weather prevails through the weekend with high pressure in control. Unsettled weather returns Monday with cooler temperatures and the potential for minor snowfall.

General Conditions

I was hunting for corn yesterday and traveled mainly on solar aspects. I found fun, soft turns on slopes that face W-SW-S. It’s not full-on corn, but a couple more melt-freeze cycles should get us there. In the meantime, we have really fun spring-like skiing on the sunny slopes. Northerly aspects are a mixed bag. Some soft turns can be found out there, but you will also encounter varying textures of wind-affected snow. Your best bet for fun riding is the sunny side of the compass. High temperatures are getting a little warmer each day, and backcountry travelers should watch for signs of wet activity. After all, it is April and you should always have wet avalanche activity on your mind this time of year. If the sunny slopes start to become wet and saturated, it's time to change aspects or head home.

Conditions on Mount Tukuhnikivatz or Tuk (pronounced touque). Many folks this time of year set their sites on this iconic mountain. If you are set on going up, be prepared for challenging conditions including firm snow, breakable crusts, and possibly some isolated, shallow, stiff wind slabs. Ski crampons will be helpful on the skin up, and carrying a tool for self arrest is recommended.

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.

Want some more insight into the La Sal Mountains as well as the communal impacts of a tragic avalanche? Check out the latest UAC podcast with forecaster Eric Trenbeath where he discusses the range, it's often treacherous snowpack, and how the devastating avalanche in February, 1992, affected the Moab community.

Our avalanche beacon checker sign and beacon training park are up and running. A huge thanks to Talking Mountain Yurts for sponsoring those this season!

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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.