La Sal Mountain Snow Report 2-10-18

The 2nd week of February ends with our snowpack being so low for so long that folks are running out of words to describe it.  We have moved beyond complaining now to just staring in awe at the numbers unfolding in our La Sals and most mountain ranges south of Moab.  The bright side is that the Upper Colorado and Green Rivers are both around 90% of average SWE (Snow Water Equivalent).  There will be water to float on.  More on the rivers later..

Colorado Basin River FOreast Center Graph

The above graph shows historical precipitation data from a remote sensor located just below the beginner meadow.  So far 1990 was the lowest recorded amount and 2018 is the 2nd lowest.  You can see that a large storm in mid February 1990 increased the amount to above what we have now.  Let’s hope our weekend storm helps us out!  More on the weather later.

dfgNCRS snowpack

This image has all of the Western USA’s Snowtel sites for Percent of Average SWE.  Everything above an imaginary line drawn from Seattle to Denver has at least 90%.  A lot of 50% basins exist below this line, and the gnarly drought happening is in the and the “Sky Island” mountain chains of New Mexico and Arizona range from 0% to 25%.  Around our region stations are reporting:

  • East Willow Creek (Bookcliffs) 40%
  • Indian Canyon 49%
  • Columbine Pass (Uncompahgre Plateau) 27%
  • Abajo mtns. 27%
  • San Francisco Peaks 24%-27%
  • Grand Mesa 26%

CBRFC water supply forecast

Here we have the water supply forecast for the entire Colorado River Basin above Lake Powell.  You can see the folks at Colorado River Basin Forecast Center are forecasting 47% runoff this year.  There is only a 10% chance of us reaching averageThe Green River is at 65%, Colorado 54%, and the San Juan is at a measly 31%.

Weather

A fast storm is approaching from the north and will affect the La Sals Today.  A POINT FORESCAST for 10’000 shows a few inches from Friday overnight into Saturday morning.  Another system will come in Monday, so stay tuned!

Grooming

The trails were all last groomed on Wednesday after our last 6″ coating of frosting.  Expect snowy trails today, and we’ll let you know when LUNA has the trails packed out again.  Intense sun and warm temperatures have taken their toll, but today’s new snow will fix that!

Backcountry

Save for leaning way back on a few low angle meadows, it still ain’t there yet.  Always visit our LOCAL AVALANCHE ADVISORY from the Utah Avalanche Center before heading out.  You can find current grooming and plowing information there as well.

Roads

Geyser Pass Road was snow packed before today’s storm and will require 4wd.  Travel prepared!

Jobs

Moab Gear Trader is looking to fill several positions.  We offer a very flexible schedule that will keep you playing outside.  Retail experience is a plus, self-motivation and a love for the wild lands of SE Utah are a must.  Click on JOBS above and tell us why you want to be part of our team or share with someone you know!