Introduction:
Good morning, this is Max Forgensi with the WE HAVE 2 SPOTS LEFT IN OUR AIARE LEVEL 2 CLASS BEING
HELD IN THE LA SALS THIS YEAR. THE CLASS WILL RUN FROM 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 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
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General Conditions: The persistent ridge
of high pressure will keep us under a dry atmosphere through Monday when the
next batch of Pacific moisture starts to enter the Great Basin. Enjoy moderate temperatures today and
tomorrow. Nordic and Skate
skiing conditions will be wonderful today as the 2”-3” of snow that fell on
Sunday night freshened the roads up.
Backcountry skiing conditions will be variable…sun crusts on
South-West aspects, consolidated/rotten powder in wind sheltered North
aspects below treeline and a variety of wind slabs above treeline. The road to the Geyser Pass Trailhead
is in great shape. Mountain Weather: (At 10,500’) Today: Mostly sunny, with a high around 23. West wind around 5 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’): (snotel link) |
27” |
0 |
13 |
~ |
Geyser Pass |
N/a |
n/a |
N/a |
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|
41” |
0 |
n/a |
|
N/a |
N/a |
1 |
NNW @ 14
gusting to 18 |
Avalanche Conditions: (Link to the
International Avalanche Danger Scale here) The latest snow has
uncharacteristically arrived with little wind. So, despite the weak condition
of our La Sal snowpack, the load of new snow has not been enough to increase
the avalanche danger very much. There are some areas where there are stiff
wind slabs over extremely weak snowpack structures. I feel it would still be
possible to trigger an avalanche in localized areas above treeline as a
result of last week’s wind event. This hazard will not be super widespread,
and difficult to locate, just keep in mind that there are some booby traps
out there on the high peaks. Steer clear of areas with a shallow rotten base
and stiffer, cohesive, bridging slabs at the snow surface. Today’s BOTTOM
LINE is an avalanche danger rating of MODERATE, meaning
that human triggered avalanches remain a possibility. Never trust a rotten,
faceted snowpack like we have here in the La Sals. If we don’t get some more
snow, this situation will be with us into spring and we may never see a truly
green light snowpack with low hazard. We need your observations! Call
435-636-3363 or use the link near the top of the page to get to the observers
page! Yes, DO IT! Take a look at a snow pit from our
tour on 01/15/06 here.
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