Skies are clear, westerly winds are averaging 15-20 mph along ridge tops, and 10,000' temps are in the mid 20's. It's going to be a glorious day in the mountains. High pressure aloft will bring sunny skies and warm temperatures through tomorrow. Daytime highs will be in the mid 40's at 10,000'. Things will take a turn by Wednesday when a strong Pacific storm system moves into the region. The main energy looks like it may favor the north, but we are still likely to see some decent accumulation.
It's been quite a week for spring skiing and riding in the La Sals. Folks have been taking advantage of the mostly stable conditions, and tracks are appearing in places not visited all winter. The dry snow conditions we've been blessed with up high have taken a hit from wind and sun, but turning is still pretty good for the not too discerning. Best turns today and tomorrow however, will likely be found on mid and low elevation southerly aspects where the corn snow harvest should be in full swing.
My partner Ed Grote and I found decent snow on a north face up high in Horse Creek (note the crown still visible in the upper right hand corner from
this event). We also encountered skimo enthusiasts Will, and Justin down from the Wasatch who had just completed the La Sal Triple Crown of Mounts Tukuhnikivatz, Peale, and Mellenthin. They can be seen skinning up at the top of our tracks in search of something else to do.
Winds at 11,000 feet on
Abajo Peak (11,330') about 45 miles south.