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 Tuesday, February 24nd, 2004 at 8:00 a.m.

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General Conditions:

The wet sponge is sitting on top of us with temperatures at 40 degrees in town, 25 at 9,600’ and 15 at 11,700’ with winds from the SE at about 10mph with gusts to 20. Some heavier fresh snow down low, and drier lighter powder up high and in the shade can still be found from the weekend’s storm. Snow depths are in the 40”-65” range. There is also a fresh dusting of snow, maybe we can get a little more.

Mountain Weather:

Hopefully we can ring out this sponge for some more moisture…we may see around 2” of snow today under mostly cloudy skies with light and variable winds. It starts to clear out tonight, and tomorrow should be partly cloudy with a high in the 30’s at 9,000’. Thursday and Friday could bring us a significant storm…cross your fingers!

Avalanche Conditions:

Traditionally, this time of year is our most active for avalanches. Why? Our weak snowpack from our strong early winter high pressure systems finally starts to get significant loads on it this time of year-warm and wet storms drop big loads on the tender snowpack. So that is the state we are in right now. Other mountain areas in our region have received a bit more snow from the last storm-enough to bring down the house. Around here we did not get as much snow out of the last storm and are in a wait and see mode. Today’s new snow won’t be enough to tip the scales, but you still might be the trigger, and if not, well then Thursday’s big storm could be…Look for your clues out there such as cracking and collapsing of the snow and old avalanche activity from the last few days-if you get any of those things, play it mellow because it is still a MODERATE danger on slopes steeper than 35 degrees, especially on wind loaded terrain. Remember that MODERATE danger means human triggered avalanches are possible.

Nordic and Skate Skiing:

The Lasaloppet is just around the corner, so get in shape. Wax for warm fresh snow.