Moab Winter Conditions 12-19-2020

(Photo Credit: Marshall Dvorscak)

Backcountry skiers and lovers of the La Sals rejoice! Winter has arrived in Moab and with it, a few beautiful snowstorms that have left our little town covered in a blanket of white. Temperatures have continued to hover around 20 degrees for most of the day, and although it’s a bit foggy right now, we’ve had beautiful clear sunny skies in the La Sals.

The Utah Avalanche Center has issued a moderate avalanche warning for those of you interested in exploring the steeper terrain La Sals this weekend. Follow the link for a complete forecast!

Observations from the La Sals yesterday noted that the five inches of new snow is light and powdery. In some places, the snow is as deep as 22 inches, but still not consistent enough to ski on. It is recommended that you don’t leave the groomed Geyser Pass road unless prepared to scrape over logs and rocks.

Speaking of grooming, today the Lower Utah Nordic Alliance will be grooming Geyser Pass road! It should be prime conditions for Nordic skiing all weekend long. Get after it!

Moab Gear Trader is Moab’s Winter Sports Headquarters! We have Moab’s largest selection of hiking traction for icy trails, snowshoes for mount adventures, backcountry avalanche gear, and one of the largest brick and mortar collections of Nordic Touring Gear in the US. We also are well stocked with NEW & USED hats, gloves, scarves, balaclavas, snow boots, hand warmers, goggles, and mittens. These tools will allow you to enjoy our desert and mountain home comfortably.

(Photo Credit Garcia/Ament)

La Sal Mountain Conditions

(Photo Credit: Marshall Dvorscak)

It is currently 26 degrees in the La Sals (around 10 am) and looks like it won’t get above freezing all day long. The skies are blue above the layer of fog that has settled around town, and the wind is slight to non-existent. Conditions should be ideal for anyone looking for an excuse to explore the La Sals!

The La Sal Loop road has icy patches on it and the Geyser Pass road is unplowed. The washboards on Geyser Pass road are a force to be reckoned with, but the road is passable. You will want a 4×4 vehicle or chains for your car to make it to Geyser pass, the road is icy and there are no guard railings.

(Photo Credit: Marshall Dvorscak)

According to yesterday’s report, the skiing was excellent but the snow was still thin in spots. Particularly on Glass Hill and the first hill on Geyser pass road after the gold basin turn off. It is recommended that if you have nice skis, you should walk through these sections of snow to avoid damaging them.

Moab Conditions

(Photo Credit: Kaya Lindsay)

This morning in Moab feels quiet and chilly. The layer of fog that rolled in this morning makes it impossible to see even the cliff bands surrounding town, but we have reports that you can get above the cloud line by driving to the mountain!

There are currently a few inches of snow around town, but because of the moderate temps over the last few days, no snow is sticking on the roads. All roads leading in and out of town are still accessible.

The high today is 41, which should see a fair amount of snowmelt during the day. A low tonight of 19 degrees means melted snow from today could turn back into ice, be careful of slippery trails!

Speaking of trails, it would be worth it right now to See Delicate Arch in the Snow. It’s a lovely hike, only made more beautiful by the delicate dusting of snow. Make sure you bring traction devices for the last stretch of the north-facing trail!

Dead Horse point roads are still clear, as well as roads leading to Blanding and Monticello.

Regional Conditions

(Photo Credit: Marshall Dvorscak)

Moab wasn’t the only place to get snow in the last week! It dumped everywhere it seems, and in Northern Utah and parts of Colorado, it seems like it won’t be stopping anytime soon. Temperatures all throughout the region are low to moderate with snow likely in most places on Wednesday and Saturday.

Denver: Mid 50’s with a snowstorm on Wednesday!

Vernal: Low 30’s

Jackson Hole: Snow most of the week with temps in the low 30s!

Salt Lake City: Mid 40’s with snow on Wednesday and Saturday!

Flagstaff: Sunny skies and temps in the low 50’s

Durango: Low 40’s

Weather Forecast

Temperatures in Moab will increase for the first half of the week, peaking with a high of 48 on Tuesday and then decreasing slowly for the rest of the week into the high 30’s. We shouldn’t see any more snow in Moab next week, but north-facing slopes are likely to hold snow and ice for quite some time.

If you plan on getting after it this week, make sure to layer up. Sunny days will bring people out of the woodwork to explore Moab’s trails, but icy conditions in the evenings can be treacherous.

Shop Conditions

(Photo Credit: Marshall Dvorscak)

Last-minute Holiday shoppers get ready! At Moab Gear Trader we have everything you need to get the perfect gift for your loved ones this holiday season. New additions to the shop include brand new colorful beanies with the Moab Gear Trader logo and a beautiful silhouette of Delicate Arch.

Also, Moab Gear Trader is a proud participant of the Buy Local Bucks program this winter. On December 21st, all residents of Grand County will receive three $15 Buy Local Bucks coupons to be used at participating local businesses in Moab. These can be used just like real cash and don’t expire until March 1st, 2021.

The Buy Local Bucks program is made possible thanks to Federal CARES Act funding.

Thank you to everyone who comes in to shop local this Holiday season. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Camping

Many people will be forgoing camping this time of year, however, we know there are still a few snow camping crazies out there. Are you one of them? Make sure you have a warm sleeping bag and pad to keep you cozy during the below-freezing night temps. Stop by the shop to check out our large selection of 0° and even colder rated bags. Did you know your sleeping pad also needs to be insulated for comfortable winter camping?

Hiking

Warm layers aren’t just about jackets and boots. Make sure you have a neck gaiter, warm socks, gloves, hats, long underwear, and more for your weekly hike to Hidden Valley. Layering up will be crucial to your enjoyment of outdoor hikes. At this point in the year, it would be silly to hike without traction devices. Get yours today to make your favorite Moab hikes safe and enjoyable.

Climbing

It may be getting too cold to climb in Moab, but we know there are still a few desperate climbers out and about seeking the sunny crags. Bring your puffiest jackets to the crag and don’t forget the hand warmers! Belay gloves can make a huge difference as well, so make sure to pick a pair up on your way to the crag.

Biking

We always stock basic accessories for bikes, including lights, bells, gloves, sleeves, and more. Our newest addition to the store is brand new helmets from Smith, so keep that in mind when shopping for the Mountain Bike enthusiast in your life this holiday season!

Nordic Skiing

Our nordic ski equipment will be the most commonly updated item in our store this time of year. We just got in new softshell pants for men and women that are ideal for cross country skiing and snowshoeing! These Swix brand pants will keep you warm when the temps are low, but cool enough that your sweat won’t cling to your body and freeze.

We’re also having a closeout sale on ski helmets from Smith! They are 50% off MSRP for both youth and adults.

Moab Gear Trader has the largest in-stock inventories of metal edge nordic skis in the west. We are the place to meet all your backcountry skiing needs. Make sure you shop early for the best selection. Last year (and every year) our high-end selection went quick! We have a wide variety of boots, poles, and clothing for your first or fiftieth time in the backcountry this winter.

Snow Shoes

There will be plenty of snowshoeing to be done in the La Sals and around Moab after this weekend, so make sure to get your snowshoes early! Our friendly staff can help you pick out the right snowshoes for you, just stop by and we’ll get you set up in no time. Stay warm, layer up, and have a good time out there!

Avalanche Gear

The shop is stocked with avalanche gear this time of year, so stay safe and stock up. We have shovels, probes, and beacons, from brands like Black Diamond, Arva, and Pieps. If you intend to do some winter mountaineering this season you will need a fully equipped avalanche kit. We also have plenty of ice axes, snow flukes, warm winter mountaineering jackets, and boots!