Episode 5 of the UAC podcast "To Hell in a Heartbeat - A Conversation With Tom Diegel and Matt Clevenger About the 12.26.08 Full Burial on Little Water" is live. Matt and Tom talk about the avalanche documented in To Hell in a Heartbeat. Check it out on ITunes, Stitcher, the UAC blog.
The UAC Marketplace is still open. Our online marketplace still has deals on skis, packs, airbag packs, beacons, snowshoes, soft goods and much more.
It's going to be a gorgeous day in the mountains with sunny skies, light westerly winds, and warm temperatures. Snow has been trickling in since last Saturday, and little by little it's been adding up to a total of 17-20" at 1.5" - 2" water weight. Coverage remains thin but folks on sleds and skis are starting to venture off trail and we finally have a base. Nevertheless, rocks and deadfall still present serious, day ruining obstacles so be carfeul out there!
I was down in the Abajos yesterday, but Dave Garcia submitted this observation detailing his travels in the La Sals.
Base depth at Geyser Pass Trailhead: 23"
Base depth in Gold Basin: 34"
New snow totals in Gold Basin.
Snow totals at the Geyser Pass Trailhead, (9600')
Wind, temperature, and humidity on Pre Laurel Peak (11,700')
Road conditions to Geyser Pass Trailhead: The road has not been plowed since the last storm. Many vehicles have driven up but 4wd is required.
Grooming conditions: Trails were groomed yesterday into Gold Basin.
Dave Garcia observed the first significant avalanche activity of the season in Talking Mountain Cirque. The slides likely occurred on Thursday when the new snow load finally tipped the balance on our weak snowpack. All similar slopes should be considered equally as likely to avalanche with the additional weight of a skier or rider.
Natural avalanche in Talking Mountain Cirque. Dave Garcia photo.