Moab

We're through issuing regular avalanche forecasts for the season but we'll post condition updates as warranted through the month. We will also continue to post recent observations. 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 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; Canyonlands Natural History Association (CNHA); 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!

Click here to see the La Sal avalanche database.

General Conditions

Wind, warm temperatures, and a lack of snow this month have been hard on conditions and it already feels like May up there. The snow surface is dirty, wind affected, and is disappearing fast on many south facing slopes. Corn snow has developed on southerly aspects that still have snow, while north facing slopes remain a variable mix of crusty, wind affected, transitional snow.

Pro Tip: Corn snow relies on a consistent melt-freeze cycle of warm days and cold, clear nights. Good corn is all about a smooth surface and it's a renewable resource. Don't ski or ride it too late! Deeply rutted turns made in snow that is too soft ruin the slope. Get it when it's just right and then get off.

Overall, conditions are deteriorating with lots of dirty, textured snow and rapidly developing thin spots. Photo from April 12.

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 sloppy, wet snow as days heat up. Ski crampons will be helpful on the skin up, and carrying a tool for self arrest is recommended.

Mount Tukuhnikivatz on April 12.

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.

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.