Moab

We're through issuing regular avalanche forecasts for the season.

Your primary concerns in the spring are loose wet avalanches from daytime heating, and wet slab avalanches. Plan to get in and out early before slopes become wet and sloppy. Consecutive nights without a freeze can increase the likelihood for wet slab avalanches.

New and wind drifted snow can also cause the danger to rise. Use the weather links below to aid in your trip planning.

We'd 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 sponsor Talking Mountain Yurts; Mammut, Voile, and Arva for setting us up with the gear we need to do our job; Canyonlands Natural History Association (CNHA); the Manti-La Sal National Forest for their tremendous support of the 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!

Click here to see the La Sal avalanche database.

General Conditions

A record low snow year followed by record warm temperatures in March has decimated the snowpack making the first of April feel like the first of June. South facing slopes are mostly bare of snow, the road above the Geyser Pass winter trailhead has melted out, and access is becoming increasingly difficult. We've also experienced a nearly two week period without an overnight refreeze in March leaving the existing snowpack susceptible to wet loose, and wet slab avalanches. This danger will not abate completely until we get a solid refreeze, and even then, you need to continue to remain aware of the potential for wet activity as the days heat up. For more on spring time avalanche dangers, see the "normal caution" section below.

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.

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.