Over the last couple of days the La Sal Mountains just outside of Moab have received significant snowfall down to about the 6,000' foot level. This is my favorite time to photograph local scenes that include the La Sal Mountains, including some of the icons such as Delicate Arch and Balanced Rock in Arches NP, and Mesa Arch in Canyonlands NP. The pristine snow adds another layer of interest in your composition and if you're lucky, the peaks will appear to radiate pink when lit with alpenglow.

Canyonlands and Arches NP, as well as Dead Horse Point State Park, are essentially snow free. However, potholes along canyon rims and in the Courthouse Towers area of Arches NP are filled with water that offers opportunities for reflections of surrounding features. Night temperatures are low enough that many of the potholes will have a thin layer of ice over the top of the water.

As an extra added bonus, hotel rooms are cheap and town is deserted. Don't be surprised if you visit and have Delicate Arch entirely to yourself at sunset! Average night temperatures have been in the low 20's.

Stay tuned for additional updates as weather events create interesting opportunities for photography in the Moab area. Also, check back in the spring for regular updates on wildflower conditions and again in the fall for autumn colors.