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 December 18th, 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:

Nothing seems to be changing in the mountains except the date. Skies continue to stay clear, temperatures warm, and the avalanche danger mellower. Sounds like a great time to head up high into the mountains to me. 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’): 32 degrees out with 22”-28” on the ground

Pre-Laurel Peak (11,700’): 7:00 am temperature is 22 degrees, with winds out of the SSW at 22 mph, gusting to 33.

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

Mountain Weather: (At 10,500’)

Today: Partly cloudy, with a high around 38. North northeast wind between 10 and 15 mph.
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 16. North northwest wind between 5 and 10 mph.
Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high around 39. West wind around 5 mph.

Avalanche Conditions:

Although avalanche conditions throughout our region remain quiet over the last few days, there is always reasons to play it safe in the mountains. Persistent weak layers, i.e. the old surface hoar layers from late November and early December, can still be found buried in the snowpack. Although less and less reactive every day, there is still the possibility of triggering a hard or soft slab avalanche failing on these layers. Be extra weary of shallow snowpack areas, like around rocks, where extra weak snow may be lingering. As our clear and dry weather persists, we will just be building up a layer of weak faceted snow near the surface, our future weak layer in storms to come. Take note of where this snow is forming and don’t get caught in a loose snow avalanche in this stuff on steeper terrain! The bottom line is an avalanche danger of MODERATE on wind loaded slopes steeper than 35 degrees at or above treeline. Below treeline the only danger will be in open wind loaded terrain. All other areas the avalanche danger is LOW.

Nordic and Skate Skiing:

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