Grand County will be plowing the road this morning. Expect to find the road closed between 9:00 and noon.
Thanks to Drew Hardesty for coming down and making the exchange possible. It was a great experience for me to be up in the Wasatch, admitedly where there is some more snow. But I look forward to returning to our desert range.
Episode 6 of the UAC podcast "A Conversation with Tom Kimbrough" is live. We explore ideas about lifetime exposure to risk and what role Buddhism has played in his life as a climber, skier, and soon-to-be octogenarian. We talk about what has changed over the years in snow science and the role of mentorship in the world of avalanche forecasting and other professions and pursuits. Check it out on ITunes, Stitcher, the UAC blog.
The UAC Marketplace is still open. Our online marketplace still has deals on skis, packs, airbag packs, beacons, snowshoes, soft goods and much more.
INSTAGRAM! We now have a UAC-Moab Instagram page. You can find it here....but better yet follow us on your smartphone. Confused? Ask a teenager.
The La Sals picked up about 6" from yesterday's storm. Not as much as we need, but at this point we'll take what we get. Strong southerly winds blew throughout the day yesterday and they shifted to northwesterly last night averaging 20-30 mph along ridgetops. Much of the exposed terrain above treeline has taken quite a hit from the wind and sun, and best bet for taking advantage of the new snow will be in sheltered areas.
Drew and Zinnia were out and about last week and left these observations.
Base depth in Gold Basin: 40" Base depth at Geyser Pass Trailhead: 28"
New snow totals in Gold Basin.
Snow totals at the Geyser Pass Trailhead, (9600')
Wind, temperature, and humidity on Pre Laurel Peak (11,700')
Road conditions to Geyser Pass Trailhead: The road is snowpacked and icy in places. Good tires and at least front-wheel drive recommended.
Grooming conditions: Grand County will be plowing this morning.
A look at this season compared to last year..and the average. The below graph is from the NRCS La Sals Snotel site at roughly 9570'. We are currently 60% of average - and - well off of last year's banner snowpack season. Pray for snow.