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 Friday December 17th, 2004 at 7:30 a.m.

To see past advisories check out the ARCHIVE. To see current conditions go to our WEATHER PAGE. To see photos go to the AVIPHOTOS page.

General Conditions:

The high pressure continues to sit on top of us bringing clear blue skies and warm temperatures day in and day out. However, sheltered north aspects are still harboring some great settled/recrystalized powder skiing. Southerly aspects, on the other hand, are a vicious battle between breakable and unbreakable crusts. Above treeline locations are a mixed bag of wind hammered conditions.

Current Conditions: (click location for latest data)

Geyser Pass Trailhead (9,600’): 19 degrees out with 22”-28” on the ground

Pre-Laurel Peak (11,700’): 6:00 am temperature is 10 degrees, with winds out of the SSW at 22 mph, gusting to 51.

Gold Basin has about 36-40” of settled snow on the ground.

Mountain Weather: (At 10,500’)

Today: Partly cloudy, with a high near 34. North wind between 10 and 15 mph.
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 17. North northeast wind around 15 mph.
Saturday: Partly cloudy, with a high around 38. North northwest wind around 10 mph.

Avalanche Conditions:

Persistent weak layers can still be found throughout the mountains, as old surface hoar layers still seem to be reacting to mother nature. Large loads, all though old and cranky at this point and less reluctant to react to changes, are still perched upon these persistent weak layers 1-2’ down in the snowpack. In the last week a few interesting natural avalanches have popped out, mostly on SE aspects, probably from our warming trend. However, there are still a number of pockets out there that have not avalanched yet this season that I would be particularly cautious about. These places where a winter traveler could trigger a slide are on wind loaded slopes steeper than 35 degrees at or above treeline; the avalanche danger is MODERATE on these slopes. Be cautious as the day heats up on southerly aspects-not only are wet slides possible, but so are slab releases, complicating the picture a bit.

Nordic and Skate Skiing:

An enjoyable day for you classic Nordic and Skate skiers as tracks are packed out and fast.