This is a special avalanche statement for the mountains of southeast Utah.

The Utah Avalanche Center -Moab is closing its doors for the 2011-2012 season. Spring time and spring conditions are upon us and there are some important pointers to take with you up to the mountains to ensure that a spring outing is safe and successful.

Start early and end early. Starting from Moab at 5:00 am is not out of the question. Use aspects as your friend. Ski east facing slopes early, followed by south, west and eventually north.

Northerly aspects at an above tree line still hold cold snow, so be careful. It will be a couple weeks before spring skiing occurs on northerly aspects.

Ensure that there has been an adequate freeze by checking the SNOTEL sites located on the Moab Advisory page. If you start seeing roller balls or pinwheels and/or you start punching through the snow, it is time to call it a day and enjoy the pursuits in the desert.

Have fun! We will see you next year. Until then, have a safe and enjoyable spring, summer and fall.

Max Forgensi