La Sal Mountains
If this were the Wasatch, yesterday would have been one of those days in the mountains when people were out triggering avalanches everywhere (and in fact they were). Clearing skies after 5 days of storm, and fresh, sparkling powder snow everywhere made conditions nearly irresistible. All told, we picked up close to 30" of snow in the past week with 18" falling between Sunday night and early yesterday morning when the last wave brought in a final 4". Today will be a gorgeous day in the mountains with winter like temperatures and a brilliant sun, which will quickly effect exposed slopes. NW winds have been on the increase and are averaging 20 mph along the ridge tops, and temps are in the single digits.
La Sal Mountains Current Weather
Wind speeds and temperature at 11,700' on Pre-Laurel Peak.
New snow totals and temperature at Geyser Pass Trailhead.
New snow totals and temperature in Gold Basin.
Abajo / Blue Mountains
The Abajos picked up about half as much snow from this storm series and totals are around 15" since last Friday. Snow cover in the range is still very thin. "Spatial variability" is the key term. This means you can find snow up to four feet deep on on a sheltered, northerly aspect while a more exposed, adjacent slope will still be showing rocks and grass.
Abajo / Blue Mountains Current Weather
Winds and temperature on Abajo Peak.
Snow total at Buckboard Flat.
Brian Murdock and I had a good look around in Gold Basin yesterday and saw the remains of a significant avalanche cycle. The strong SW winds and heavy snows on Monday produced numerous natural avalanches, mostly all on N-NE aspects right around tree line and above. Several of these involved old, deeper snow, (persistent slabs) and one slide in Horse Creek was up to 5' deep. The cycle continued through Tuesday when additional snow sluffed off or released as soft slab / new snow avalanches between 18" and 3' deep.
Note the distribution of deep, persistent slabs right around tree line.
This deep, persistent slab at the head of Horse Creek was 5' deep, approximately 200' wide and ran for over 1000'.