Moab Winter Conditions - 1-29-2021

(Photo Credit: Kaya Lindsay)

Moab has finally accumulated some snow after a three-week dry spell! Last week we had between 15”-20” inches of snow after our first substantial storm in a while. Snow means more opportunities for snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, nordic skiing, and sledding, however, most other recreation should be halted until Moab dries out a bit more.

Mountain Biking trails are closed, please visit the Poison Spider Bicycles website for a full report on Mountain Bike conditions. You can also check up on the Moab Trail Mix Facebook Page if you are looking for more updates on when mountain biking will be viable in Moab again.

As far as climbing goes, Moab has been fairly windy so the rock is likely to be dry. However, if you do climb, please stay to South-facing crags and make sure the rock is completely dry before you start climbing. Climbing on wet sandstone is unsafe and can harm you and damage the climb.

As far as skiing goes, the Utah Avalanche Center has an updated avalanche report and it is not good. Avalanche conditions in the La Sals are Moderate to High depending on the orientation of the slopes. Visit the Utah Avalanche Centers website for a full snow condition report.

That being said, the Nordic Ski Trail above Geyser Pass has been recently groomed by the Lower Utah Nordic Alliance, and conditions are wonderful for Nordic skiing. It’s a great cardio workout that you can do with the whole family! If you want to stay updated on when the Lower Utah Nordic Alliance plows in the La Sals, you can stay up to date with them on Facebook and Instagram!

All this snow should get you STOKED for adventures in the La Sals. If you’ve been thinking about purchasing cross country or Nordic skis, now is the time!

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.

La Sal Mountain Conditions

(Photo Credit: Kaya Lindsay)

It’s been fairly windy in Moab the last few days, we haven’t had much of a windy winter so the gusts were a welcome change of pace.

The La Sal Loop Road is pavement down low but quickly changes to slick snow and ice. Please drive carefully. The turn from Geyser Pass is snowy but packed from other folks driving through. It is highly recommended that you bring a 4×4 car and chains. Two-wheel drive vehicles may make it with chains, but we would not recommend you go without them.

Please go enjoy the snow before it’s gone! Springtime is just around the corner and will be here before you know it. We have Nordic skis, snowshoes, and traction devices for sale at Moab Gear Trader as well as gaiters, gloves, boots, and more. Any and all of your outdoor recreation needs can be met at Moab Gear Trader, so please come by and get your snow equipment before it’s too late!

Moab Conditions

(Photo Credit: www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov)

Moab is fairly dry around town, however, north-facing trails will be wet and there is still a fair amount of snow in the shadows. As always, check trail conditions before you go mountain biking, and make sure the rock is dry if and when you go climbing. The days are still quite short in Moab and evening time brings an exceptional chill, so be prepared to layer up when recreating. We have traction devices for sale at the shop, and highly recommend you pick some up if you plan to do any North Facing hiking trails.

Regional Conditions

(Photo Credit: Kaya Lindsay)

Avalanche Conditions are poor all throughout the Colorado Plateau and the South West, it seems it won’t be a good year for backcountry skiing. However, if you’re really interested in getting out there, it sounds like there may be some backcountry skiing in the Abajos. Touring and enjoying the snowy mountains on flat terrain may be our best bet this winter!

Denver: High 50’s with a chance of snow on Wednesday

Vernal: Low 30’s with a chance of snow on Tuesday and Wednesday

Jackson Hole: Low 30’s with a chance of snow on Saturday, Tuesday, and Wednesday

Salt Lake City: Low to high 40’s with a chance of snow on Wednesday and Thursday

Flagstaff: Mid 40’s with a chance of rain and snow on Tuesday and Wednesday

Durango: Low 40’s with a chance of snow on Wednesday

Weather Forecast

(Photo Credit: Kaya Lindsay)

The weather will be sunny and clear in Moab this weekend, with a high of 44 on Saturday and a low of 19 on Sunday night. Starting on Monday the sun will disappear and temps will begin to drop until Wednesday when we are to expect a bit of snow and possible rain. The rest of the week will stay in the mid ’40s and be partly cloudy and partially sunny. This weekend will be the last bit of sun for a time, so make sure to get outside and enjoy it!

Shop Conditions

(Photo Credit: Marshall Dvorscak)

At Moab Gear Trader we have hundreds of new and used items coming into the shop each week! You can find everything from winter boots, to ice axes, to (much needed) avalanche gear in our store. With spring threatening on the horizon, make sure to get your winter sports needs filled soon!

As a reminder, you can check out all of our new and used gear at our online portal for both shoppers and sellers.

Nordic Skiing

With backcountry skiing being so dangerous right now, we encourage our customers to take up Nordic skiing! There is an excellent groomed trail in the La Sals, Geyser Pass Road, and it’s a great social distancing activity as well! Our nordic ski equipment will be the most commonly updated item in our store this time of year.

Snow Shoes

Another fantastic alternative to backcountry skiing is snowshoeing. We encourage everyone to just get out into the mountains (safely) as often as possible. Until the avalanche danger clears up, we should all be getting out on to the groomed track in the La Sals. 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. The avalanche danger is at an all-time high in most areas right now. Stay safe and if you do venture into the backcountry, make sure you bring your avi equipment. 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!

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.