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 Saturday, November 20^th, 2004 at 11:00 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:

The them for today is change, as a strong system moves in bringing a WINTER STORM WARNING through noon on Sunday followed by a strong cold front, dropping temperatures 10-20 degrees for the next few days. Base depths are still thin, in the 10”-14” at 9,500’ to upwards of 26”-30” at higher and more favored locations such as Gold Basin. A few new inches of snow has accumulated this morning with some light to moderate winds out of the WSW. The snow is supportable enough to offer some enjoyable turning and riding conditions, which should improve as the day goes on. 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. Remember the road won’t be plowed until Monday, so chains and 4WD are recommended.

Mountain Weather:

8” to 16” of total snow accumulation is expected from the storm, accompanied by winds in the 15-25mph shifting to the N this afternoon. Highs will be in the 20’s with lows in the teens tonight. Snow should be heavy tonight through tomorrow morning, changing to a more showery pattern tomorrow.

Avalanche Conditions:

Everyone should have their avalanche game ready to go. Conditions are changing rapidly out there with heavy snowfall and winds strong enough to transport snow. As the snow starts to pile up the avalanche danger will increase to the CONSIDERABLE level. This means that human triggered avalanches are probable. The main areas of concern are at and above treeline, especially in wind loaded slopes and gullies, where previous snow depths were deep enough to cover up any anchors.

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:

New snow will put optimal conditions on hold for a little while.