Manti-La Sal Avalanche Center

US Forest Service Manti-La Sal National Forest

Introduction:

Welcome back for the 2003-04 winter season! This is Evan Stevens with the USFS Manti-La Sal Avalanche Center with your avalanche and mountain weather advisory. Today is Sunday, November 16, at 3:30 pm. We are just getting back into the office, so look for regular advisories to start soon. For now, we will issue a general conditions report.

Mountain Weather:

So far the season has brought us at least 2 major storms. The last storm left 10”-12” of new snow during a warm and wet storm coming in from the SW. Our current storm is trying to organize itself from the SW as well, but it may come together to far to our east reducing our chances for some significant moisture. For tonight and tomorrow snow showers should persist, leaving us with around 1”-3” of new snow, tapering off by midday Monday. Overnight lows will be in the 20’s with tomorrow’s highs in the low 30’s at about 9,600’. Winds will be quite blustery and will be shifting around to the NW tomorrow, with speeds averaging in the 10-20mph range.

General Conditions:

Rock skis, snowboards and skegs would be appropriate these days. With a shallow early season snowpack, it is time to play cautiously. The blustery winds will also add to the mix, creating some wind effected snow surfaces. But who can complain, because the snow is flying and winter is here!

Avalanche Conditions:

The age old adage that we repeat to you every early season is the most accurate thing we can say: if there is enough snow to ski or ride, then there is enough snow to get caught in an avalanche. Change your beacon batteries, practice with them and be careful. With lots of new snow accompanied by some strong winds you can expect to see wind slabs at above treeline elevations. We will be in the field tomorrow, setting up shop so look for a detailed advisory to follow on Tuesday morning.

Public Announcements:

We have a lot in store for the upcoming season. First, we would like to Welcome Max Forgensi from Breckenridge to our team. We would also like any one who is interested in our volunteer/observer program to contact us at 259-7155. I will update this advisory again on Tuesday morning.