Manti-La Sal Avalanche Center

US Forest Service Manti-La Sal National Forest

Introduction:

Good morning! This is Evan Stevens with the USFS Manti-La Sal Avalanche Center with your avalanche and mountain weather advisory. Today is Sunday, December 7th, 2003 at 7:30 A.M

General Conditions:

Until it starts to snow today, I would do your holiday shopping or clean the attic. Even though a day spent in the mountains is better than spending a day almost anywhere else, you might be more satisfied with your productivity and accomplishment by doing something else. Snow surfaces are a mix of wet facets in the shade, sun crusts, wind buff and any other one you can think of. It is 33 at the Geyser Pass Trailhead with 13” of stuff that resembles snow on the ground. 22” of snow in Gold Basin.

Mountain Weather:

A winter storm watch is in effect, with total storm accumulations of 4-8”. But it will come with a price: strong winds today from the SW at 15-25mph with higher gusts, shifting to the N-NW this evening at 20-25mph, with gusts in the 30’s. Highs today should be in the low 30’s at 9,600’. The bulk of the moisture should come tonight with the passing of the strong cold front, which will usher in a low in the single digits by Tuesday morning.

Avalanche Conditions:

Things will start to get really interesting today, with tomorrow being the day of the greatest hazard. The snow hasn’t started to fly yet, but as soon as it starts to reach 4” of new, it will be time to be cautious as the strong winds will do their part in loading the starting zones. Snow surface temperatures were warm on southerly aspects 11,000’ or lower, so look for the new snow to bond pretty well. However, facets are abundant on the northerly aspects and are poised to provide lots of collapsing as the new snow falls. Be on the look for signs of instability such as cracking and collapsing throughout the storm. Until the snow starts to fly the avalanche hazard will remain LOW on all aspects and elevations, but may increase to MODERATE today on wind loaded aspects as the storm progresses.

Nordic and Skate Skiing:

A bit of snowmachine traffic has packed out the road and widened it, providing a fairly smooth surface for skating and Nordic skiing all the way to Geyser Pass. Warm snow so wax appropriately and get out today before the snow flies. I think this is the best option out there right now.

Public Announcements:

There will be an Avalanche Awareness talk for the Moab Winter Rescue team on Tuesday, December 9^th at 7pm, with a volunteer/observer meeting to follow. Call us at the office for more info, 636-3363.

Safety Tip of the Day:

Always check the battery power in your beacon. Check your beacon and your partner’s beacon ranges at the trailhead to ensure they are working properly when the time comes.