Q: What kind of weather can I normally expect in Moab, UT?

A: People often want to know what our normal weather is. In spring, expect spring weather, when it is normal to have far from average weather. If we happen to find an "average" day in late March, it will have a high about 65° and a low near 40° in the valley and near the river. Out of the valley, the temperatures may be a few degrees higher until you get to higher elevations where the temperatures are lower (our trails range from 4,000 to 7,000 feet). In any case, the variations of spring could push the temperatures 20° either way. Precipitation for the spring months averages about an inch, but anyone month could range from near zero to more than 2 inches.

We cannot expect to get through nine days with perfect four-wheeling weather. Modest rain, and even some snow flurries, have dampened spirits but haven't stopped the Safari. A real rain - say, a half inch or more - can mess us up, as welcome as it might be to reduce the persistent drought. Mud is an exciting challenge for some people (especially in bogs, where slipping can't lead to a fall). Around here, mud just threatens us with an unplanned night on the trail - to avoid falling off the trail. We usually deal with it by staying home for a day while it dries. During the Jeep Safari, mud and flood have (rarely) required a change of plans for some trails, but we have usually been able to offer substitute trails from our officially permitted repertoire.

We consider forecasts when making plans, but we have learned never to cancel plans because of a forecast. Published national maps that show temperature and precipItation contours are particularly frustrating because they cannot be detailed enough to account for elevation and local conditions. (The topography around Moab seems to put us in a warmer pocket than surrounding areas.)

When you do hear of weather conditions elsewhere in the state, it may or may not be related to ours. Usually, we have less precipitation and warmer temperatures than the Salt Lake area, but we may be cooler than St. George by a similar amount. If you have access to local TV, our cable system now has the Weather Channel (14) with local forecasts. A Red Rock 4- Wheeler would be glad to look out the window for you; you can call (435)259-ROCK (that comes out "7625" in numbers) for a very guarded observation. The family answering that phone these days will try to be available between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Mountain Time, but be aware that they may be out sampling the rocks, especially during Safari week.