The BOTTOM LINEfor the La Sal and Abajo mountain ranges will be an Avalanche Danger of LOW with pockets on MODERATE at and above treeline on NW-N-NE slopes greater than 35 degrees. Human triggered avalanches will be possible only in isolated terrain, located within the land of diminishing returns. You might get a couple of turns, but just as you gain confidence, a rock or log will wake you up into reality. If you want exercise, blow a lung on the groomed track or hit a singletrack in the desert. If your looking for adventure, climb a peak. Beautiful, calm weather for that pursuit!

It is paramount in the early season to practice with your avalanche rescue gear and refurbish your first aid kit!

Blue skies and relatively warm temperatures will greet snow enthusiasts in the La Sal and Abajo Mountains this weekend. Current temperatures at the Geyser Pass trail head are 19 degrees while at Camp Jackson it is 23. Our recent snow storm has been settling...Camp Jackson has 16 inches while the Geyser Pass trail head has only 10".

Both Gold Basin and Geyser Pass proper held 24" of snow on the ground on Thursday. With LUNA's annual groomer training today (Saturday), groomed trails will be found going up to both Geyser Pass and Gold Basin. Backcountry conditions will be a mixed bag of rocks, logs and some potentially creamy turns, if you find a grass covered slope to turn on.

Grand County Search and Rescue will also be holding their annual winter training up at the Geyser trail head. Please drive safely and park accordingly.

On Thursday's field day there was no avalanches observed. Tomasaki held thin ribbons of white, Mellenthin's North Face held some pockets of snow and Gold Basin all showed signs of wind scouring, with little or no wind depositing. The last snow did not accumulate enough snow to have a natural avalanche cycle in the La Sals. From pictures from Abajo Peak, that mountain range didn't either.

@ 10,000'

High pressure will dominate this weekend. Expect a change by mid-work week. You might want to ask Santa Claus for some snow for Christmas.

Today: Sunny, with a high near 34. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 17. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph. Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 34. South wind around 5 mph. Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 16. South southeast wind between 5 and 10 mph. Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 32. South southeast wind between 5 and 10 mph. Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 19.

Sign up for the La Sal's annual AIARE Level I class, held this year Friday February 3rd through Sunday February 5th. Call Max Forgensi @ 435-636-3335 to sign up or for more information.