US Forest Service Manti-La Sal National Forest

 Introduction:  Good Morning this is Dave Medara with the USFS Manti-La Sal Avalanche Center with your avalanche and mountain weather advisory.  Today is Saturday, January 21st, 2006 at 7:00 am. This advisory will expire in 24 hours.

 

WE ARE STARTING TO FILL UP OUR AIARE LEVEL 1 AND LEVEL 2 CLASSES BEING HELD IN THE LA SALS THIS YEAR.  THE LEVEL 1 IS FEBRUARY 3RD-5TH (FRI-SUN), WHILE OUR LEVEL 2 IS MARCH 3RD-6TH  (FRI-MON).  CALL (435) 636-3363 FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO SIGN UP.  EACH CLASS IS LIMITED TO 12 STUDENTS.  TUITION GOES TO THE FRIENDS OF THE MANTI-LA SAL AVALANCHE CENTER.

 

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.

 

MLAC NEWS: We have started an observer page for folks to send us their backcountry observations. Report what you see in your backcountry travels HERE. Please send us your reports on avalanches, ski conditions, road conditions, snow pit profiles etc. Thanks! You can also report observations at 435-636-3363.

  

General Conditions:

About 14” of new snow has fallen at the Geyser Pass trailhead in the past week, measuring in at 1.1” inches of snow water equivalent. Experience has shown that this is usually about 30-40 percent less than we receive at upper elevations and in more favored areas. No matter where you measure it, the backcountry conditions in the La Sals are improving hugely. Powder skiing and riding conditions are finally on tap. Some steep south facing slopes will be a bit crusty after yesterday’s sun but most slopes will be in good shape.  The winds have been behaving the last couple of days as well. Skate skiers will just have to wait until we get some snowmobile traffic on the roads. OK powder hounds; remember it is still an early season snowpack out there. Lot’s of ground hazards are still near the snow surface to trip you up. There is no new snow in the 5 day forecast, so enjoy the powder while you can.

 

The roads to the Geyser Pass Trailhead is plowed and passable by 2WD vehicles, but remember it gets slippery!

 Mountain Weather: (At 10,500’)

         Today: Partly cloudy, with a high around 23. Wind chill values between -5 and -15. South southwest wind between 10 and 15 mph.
         Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 1. Wind chill values between -10 and zero. North northwest wind around 10 mph.
         Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high around 25. Wind chill values between -5 and -15. Northeast wind between 5 and 10 mph becoming calm.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Weather Station/ Location

Snow Depth (HS):  in./cm

New Snow (HN) in./cm

6:00 a.m. Temp (F)

Current Observations:  Wind, 48 hour snow

Geyser Pass Trailhead (9,600’):

26’’ 

0” 

12

 

Geyser Pass

 N/a

n/a

N/a 

Gold Basin and South Mountain

39” 

0” 

N/a 

6”

Pre-Laurel Peak Station (11,705’)

N/a 

N/a 

7

Light Southwesterly 

 

Avalanche Conditions: (Link to the International Avalanche Danger Scale here)

            The winds are continuing to be on their best behavior. In a departure from normal conditions, light winds are keeping the avalanche danger down and allowing the snowpack to adjust to the loads from last week’s snowfall. We did see limited wind slab formation above treeline earlier this week but have yet to see this result in any natural avalanche activity. We are calling the avalanche danger today MODERATE on most slopes in the La Sal Mountains today with pockets of CONSIDERABLE near treeline, where the old snow is weakest, and above treeline where the snow is more affected by the wind. This means that while natural activity is unlikely, the weight of a skier or a snow machine, tweaking our weak, brittle snowpack, could result in a big surprise for someone. Use caution and try to evaluate the strength of any slope steeper then 35 degrees you are considering playing on, especially on E-NE-NW facing shady side slopes. It is getting better out there for widespread winter travel in the La Sals, but as always proceed with caution. The La Sals are no place to take chances with avalanches.

 

Take a look at a snowpit from our tour on 01/15/06 here.