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 Sunday, Junuary22nd, 2006 at 8:30 pm. 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:

             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.
                 Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 2. Northeast wind between 5 and 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
                 Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high around 27. Wind chill values between -10 and zero. East 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

Geyser Pass Trailhead (9,600’):

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.