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 Thursday, February 5th, 2004 at 7:30 am.

February 7^th through 9^th is our Level 1 avalanche course. Call 259-7155 to register.

Click here for recent photos. Click here for Snowpits. You can always email us observations as well by clicking here, or sending a message to [email protected] or [email protected] .

General Conditions:

Lots and lots of new snow to go out and enjoy safely. Overnight storm totals are in the 4-6”+ range, with storm totals in the 12-20” range. Currently it is 27 degrees in Moab, 13.6 degrees at 9,600’ and 3 at 11,700’. Winds are moderate out of the N in the 12-20mph range. Snowdepths range from 50”-70”+. The road was plowed yesterday and should be plowed again today by noon, but 4WD and chains are still recommended.

Mountain Weather:

Today will see mostly cloudy skies, with a slight chance of a lingering snow shower…winds will be out of the NW at 10-15mph.

Tonight: Partly cloudy with a 20% chance of snow showers and a low of 0-10 with winds from the N at 10-15mph.

Tomorrow: Partly cloudy with a high in the 20s.

The crystal ball shows things mellowing out a bit, with a storm passing to our north in a few days.

Avalanche Conditions:

With storm totals in the 1-2’ range accompanied by plenty of winds and a few weeks of high pressure preceding it, there is a bit to think about out there today. However, days like this are easy decision making days: travel is not recommended in avalanche terrain. The weak surface snow comprised of surface hoar and facets from the January High Pressure was covered up by two light density small storms; now a large load has been added and wind slabs are abundant, and where the snowpack could adjust to these last two storms, evidence in the field suggests that has changed. Although visibility was obscured, cracking and collapsing, test slope failures and easy shears in snowpits all add up to the obvious signs that the mountains are showing us-stay in the sheltered and lower angle locations for a little bit.

The bottom line is an avalanche danger of CONSIDERABLE on wind loaded aspects at and above treeline on slopes steeper than 30-35 degrees. Below treeline the CONSIDERABLE danger is limited to terrain that is open enough to avalanche; be extra weary of open terrain below 9,500’ and especially terrain traps. The January High Pressure really worked a number on these spots and a depth hoar snowpack in these locations will not be able to support the weight of the new snow; if it can then it may not be able to support your weight.

Remember a CONSIDERABLE danger means human triggered avalanches are PROBABLE and natural avalanches are possible.

Nordic and Skate Skiing: A good work out day. The snow is so heavy that you really don’t sink through to the old track.