US Forest Service Manti-La Sal National Forest

 Introduction:  Good Morning, this is Max Forgensi with the USFS Manti-La Sal Avalanche Center with your avalanche and mountain weather advisory.  Today is Sunday, February 19th, 2006 at 8:30 am. This advisory will expire in 24 hours.

 

THE AMERICAN INSTITUE FOR AVALANCHE RESEARCH AND EDUCATION (AIARE) LEVEL II CLASS IS SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 3RD-6TH.  THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF AIARE, TOM MURPHY, WILL BE ONE OF THE INSTRUCTORS AT THIS CLASS.  THIS WILL BE A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN FROM THE MAN HIMSELF.  CALL (435) 636-3363 FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO SIGN UP.  THERE ARE STILL A FEW SPOTS AVAILABLE.  

 

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.

 

Hey backcountry users, WE NEED YOUR HELP!  Click HERE to give us your observations…ANY OBSERVATIONS!  Do you know how great it would be to get observations from people that travel to different parts on the mountain range than us?

  

General Conditions:

          It is trying to snow in the La Sal Mountains this morning.  We have received a trace of new snow so far and the clouds that are currently capping the mountains are trying their best…there isn’t much available moisture in the desert southwest this morning.  Today will be a good day to go up and enjoy the Nordic and Skate skiing conditions up to Geyser Pass and into Gold Basin.  The backcountry skiing conditions are still marginal, although any day you get to go up and explore the La Sals is a good day.   Be ready for all types of snow conditions:  consolidated powder on wind/sun protected North aspects below treeline, sun crusts on South and West aspects and a myriad of wind crusts/sastrugi/no snow above treeline.  If there has been a winter to climb some peaks this year the ridges are offering a great route primarily devoid of snow. 

 

Mountain Weather: (At 10,500’)

                Today: Occasional snow with areas of blowing snow. High near 17. Southwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.     New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.
                Tonight: Snow likely, mainly before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 6. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph becoming northwest. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.
                Presidents' Day: A 30 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high around 16. West northwest wind between 5 and 10 mph, with gusts as high as 30 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’):

25’’/63 cm

0”

17

Trace of new snow

Geyser Pass

 50”/130 cm

n/a

N/a 

~ 

Gold Basin and South Mountain

35”/87cm 

0”

N/a 

 

Pre-Laurel Peak Station (11,705’)

N/a 

N/a 

5 degrees @ 6

@ 6:00 am:  Winds 14 mph, g 31 from SW

 

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

          No new snow to blow around is keeping the avalanche danger from rising.  The biggest concern today will be above treeline on any aspect that has a rouge wind slab.  The winds have been blowing from every direction except from the east up above treeline this past week.  This means any slope could have a small wind slab in its starting zone or be a cross loaded slope.  There might not be enough snow to ski above treeline without hitting an obstacle, but there still is a chance of a poorly supported wind slab that could fail under a skiers weight. 

          The BOTTOM LINE for today will be an avalanche danger of MODERATE on aspects at or above treeline with wind-loaded slopes.