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.

We're through issuing regular forecasts for the season but we'll update through the month with a general conditions report as significant weather conditions dictate. 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

It was a busy weekend in the mountains with dozens of descents off the high peaks in Gold Basin and surrounding terrain. On the avalanche front, I only received a couple reports of people encountering very small and isolated wind slabs in the highest terrain. I also received this report of folks triggering small, loose, wet avalanches late in the day. Cornices are huge, give them a wide berth. The last snowfall was 7" on Friday, April 14.

Overall, the snow surface is a mix of spring conditions with some dry, wind affected snow on the highest north faces, and sun affected, melt freeze crusts pretty much everywhere else. A good melt/freeze cycle is in store for the upcoming week and we should see some decent corn snow conditions developing on SE-S-SW-W aspects. The only wrench will be high winds on Tuesday that could bring us a dust layer.

Timing is everything this time of year. Get in early and out early, both for the best snow conditions and to avoid the threat of loose, wet avalanches. Follow the sun and ride slopes with an easterly aspect first, then move to south, and finally west. Signs of instability incude rollerballs, pinwheels, and sloppy wet snow. If you find yourself sinking into wet snow above your ankles, you're out too late.

It was a busy weekend up there with lots of tracks on the high peaks!

I had a look at the S and E sides of the range on Sunday, April 16. Tuklear Reaction, or the SW gully off of Mount Tukuhnikivatz or "Tuk" (pronounced Tuque) is in and should hold for at least the week.

The SE face of Mount Peale is as smooth and filled in as I've ever seen it, unfortuantely, there is no plowed access this year and you are going to need a snowmobile.

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.