Introduction: Good
Morning this is Dave Medara with the 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: Good Powder skiing and riding can
still be found in most areas of the La Sal mountains, except for steep south
facing slopes which may have developed a crust after a few days of sun. Low
winds, and cool dry weather will have kept the snow nice in most areas
however, making for the best conditions we have experienced in the La Sals
this year. Skate skiing is getting passable with snowmobile traffic and cross
country conditions on the roads and trail are getting more packed out. It is
very cold up there this morning so be prepared. The road to the Geyser Pass Trailhead
has been plowed and is in great shape for all vehicles. Mountain Weather: (At 10,500’) Today: Partly cloudy, with a high around
25. Northeast wind between 5 and 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. |
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 |
22’’ |
~ |
7 |
pow |
|
Geyser Pass |
N/a |
n/a |
N/a |
|
Gold Basin and South Mountain |
33” |
|
|
pow |
Pre-Laurel Peak Station
(11,705’) |
N/a |
N/a |
5.5 |
SSW @ 5-10 mph |
Avalanche Conditions: (Link to the
International Avalanche Danger Scale here) The
winds have been uncharacteristically calm in the La Sal mountains since the
last snow fell on Thursday. This GREAT departure from the normal pattern is
keeping the avalanche danger down. The powder conditions good and a smile on
the faces of everyone we’ve talked to. Today we are calling the avalanche
danger in the La Sal Mountains MODERATE on all slopes in the La Sal Mountains steeper
than 35 degrees. The snow is weakest near treeline elevations and if you were
to find any trouble out there, it would likely be around this elevation or
higher where the wind can do more moving around of the snow. There is a lot
of snow available for transport by the wind on the slopes of the La Sals
right now. If the wind situation changes, expect to see an increase in the avalanche
danger. For now, enjoy what promises to be a beautiful day in the mountains. Take a look at a snowpit from our tour
on 01/15/06 here. |