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 Wednesday, November 17^th, 2004 at 8:00 a.m.

We will be issuing weekend and some weekday updates through the early season with general conditions or as the weather dictates, as we get back to full operations for the new winter. You can always check the latest snow and weather information on our website, www.avalanche.org/~lsafc

General Conditions:

My first foray into the La Sal’s for the season was yesterday and I was pleasantly surprised. Although snow depths aren’t abundant, they are surely adequate for some acceptable skiing and riding conditions, especially for mid-November! Remember though it is still early season, so be wary of obstacles such as rocks and logs, hiding just at or below the snow surface. The road is plowed up to the Geyser Pass Trailhead, with packed snow conditions, so take it slow. Right now snow depths range from about 10”-14” at 9,500’ to upwards of 26”-30” at higher and more favored locations such as Gold Basin.

Mountain Weather:

The pattern is looking stable for the next little while. Today should bring a mix of sun and clouds, with highs in the low 40’s at 9,500’. Winds will be light at around 5 mph or less from the NW. Tonight should see temperatures dipping into the mid 20’s under partly cloudy skies. Tomorrow should bring more of the same. There is a small chance of moisture towards the end of the week.

Avalanche Conditions:

After a fierce start to winter in Mid October, much to the dismay of desert sun worshiping bikers, paddlers, jeepers, climbers and hikers, the La Sal mountains are now sitting quietly and waiting for the next set of storms. Fortunately, for future avalanche conditions, we are being blessed with warm temperatures, keeping the snow somewhat moisture laden, which is atypical for this time of year. The only future problem to keep in mind is the persistence of some surface hoar in various locations, which may be a potential weak layer in storms to come. For now, however, I believe the biggest concern is natural obstacles, as the potential for human triggered avalanche activity is minimal. Remember if the snow starts flying before this advisory is updated, the danger will increase.

Here are a few general pointers to get you focused for the new season:

· Make sure your beacon has new batteries in it and practice, practice!

· Be weary of wind drifted slopes… look for clues of instability: recent avalanche activity, shooting cracks and whoomphing sounds are signs of instability

· Employ safe travel techniques…ride one at a time from safe zone to safe zone with all eyes on the person on the slope.

· We live in the desert, pay attention to any rapid warming, snow conditions could turn quickly

· Have a plan and sign the trail register!

Nordic and Skate Skiing:

Some snowmobile traffic and previous skiers have created some descent early season skating and Nordic skiing opportunities. A great option right now as the low snow is enough to cover the roads.