Hello, I'm Grant Helgeson, your Manti Skyline avalanche forecaster for the 08/09 Season.  This adviosry will be updated by 7:00 am each Saturday beginning Dec. 20th.

At the moment there's not a whole lot of snow cover on the Skyline, but winter is fast approaching and the landscape is about to change dramatically. Even though the snow pack may not be very deep, it’s time to start thinking about avalanches. I know we’re all snow starved and eager to get after it, but many early season avalanche accidents and close calls occur when we don’t think there’s enough snow to avalanche.

Keep in mind that most avalanches occur during or just after a snow storm. If it’s snow covered and steep enough to ride, it’s steep enough to slide. As the new snow starts to stack up this weekend, look for clues of snow instability. If you are seeing cracking in the snow or hearing the sound of collapsing (WHOOMPH!), be aware that these are obvious signs of unstable snow which may lead to avalanches.

Also keep an eye on the weather and be flexible with your travel plans. Remember, wind is the architect of avalanches! Gusty winds can whip the new snow into cohesive slabs, a major contributor to dangerous avalanche conditions.

Rocks and stumps provide as much danger as avalanching (and are twice as dangerous if you are caught in an avalanche) at this time of the season, so go easy until the snow pack has a chance to fatten up.

Click HERE for additional early season information.

Nothing reported at this time.  If you're out there and you see something interesting, please let me know about it.  Photos are GREAT.  I'll upload them to the site and credit the photographer.

If you see anything we should know about, especially if you see avalanche activity or trigger an avalanche,  shoot me an email:  grant@utahavalanchecenter.org

Due to recent budget cuts, I'll have very limited time in the field this season.  So, your observations are very valuable to me.  I look forward to working with all of you to keep all the Central Utah snow enthusiasts informed this season!

An unsettled & vigorous storm system moves into the area for the weekend. While we've been sitting under a ridge of high pressure, this is all about to change. A strong cold front is slated to arrive Saturday morning. This intense winter storm will be accompanied by steady (25mph) winds out of the W-SW. We'll see around 10” of snow before the system moves out on Sunday. Temps will drop below zero Sunday night in the wake of the system. Early next week, cold temps & south west flow should favor Central Utah.  We are expecting perhaps 2-3 feet of new snow by mid week.

Due to budget cuts, we will not be issuing avalanche advisories for the Skyline until Dec. 20th.  Click on this zone for some basic information.

Please send us your field observations!  See an avalanche?  Find something interesting?  Send your photos/obs to: grant@utahavalanchecenter.org or give me a ring on my cell: 406-370-1337.  Thanks!