Re: [DexterBase] Christmas in Moab
Moab weather in December seems to vary from year to year. Generally speaking, the winds are very calm. As far as temps, you can expect very cool mornings with afternoons in the 40s and sometimes 50s. However, 2 years ago they had one of the coldest Decembers on record with nighttime temps in the teens and daytime temps in the high 20s/low 30s, but temps that cold are rare.
After a snow storm blows through, your jumping is only limited by the approach to the exit point. Those who have been to Moab know that many of the approaches are up slabby sandstone and these approaches can be dangerous when covered with snow. Be sure that you have a safe "runout" should you start sliding down! One example of a dangerous situation would be the "step" at the top of the slabby hike up the back spine of the frozen pizza jump. If it is iced over and you slip, you have about 5 feet to self-arrest before going for the big ride. At any rate, there are plenty of jumps to be had in the snow, just be cautious on the approach...
A few tricks worth mentioning for jumping in the snow:
1) Carry a small, 6-inch broom-head with you. Use it to sweep away snow for foot placements as you walk up the sandstone. You can easily store it in a cargo pocket for the jump down.
2) If the exit point is really iced over and you are worried about slipping, turn your stach bag inside-out and fill it with dirt or sand that is near the exit point. Construct a "dirt-lane" over the ice for your running exit.
December in Moab is a great time of the year to visit. Lodging and food are dirt cheap. The weather is generally cooperative if you don't mind cooler weather. And the town is nice and quiet -- a pleasant contrast to the freakshow that you find there in the busier months.
Have fun!
Bryan
