Introduction:
Good morning, this is Max Forgensi with the CHECK OUT OUR NEW GROOMING
EQUIPMENT HERE. 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. Please give us your observations from
the field HERE. The more observations we get, the
better this forecast can be. We’ve re-scheduled our
Level I American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education Course for
March 2-4 here in |
General Conditions: We have received 5”-8” of snow in the
past few days and skiing conditions have improved in the back country. The first shot of snow on Sunday
night was pretty dense snow, while yesterday’s squalls had lighter density
snows. Decent skiing conditions
will be available in most of your favorite spots. Observers
report punchy conditions on South and West aspects; you have to ski light on
these aspects not to be affected by a breakable sun-crust layer. Your best bet for powder will be on
North and East aspects. L.U.N.A. was
up yesterday morning and groomed the road into Gold Basin. Expect 2” of fluff to cover the
cordoroy. They will be back up
on Friday to groom the entire course.
And mark your calendars for the Lasaloppet on March 24th! The road to the Geyser Pass Trailhead was
plowed on Monday. 4wd is recommended today. Mountain Weather: (At 10,500’) Today:
Scattered snow
showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 20. North wind between 10 and 15
mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Total
daytime snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible. |
Weather Station/ Location |
Snow Depth (HS):
in./cm |
New Snow (HN) in./cm |
|
Current Observations:
Wind, 48 hour snow |
Geyser
Pass Trailhead (9,600’): (snotel link) |
23.5” |
2” |
16.5 |
Powder! |
|
41” |
2.5” |
N/a |
Powder! |
|
41” |
2.5” |
n/a |
65% of normal |
N/a |
N/a |
Wx Down |
Wx down due to
riming |
Avalanche Conditions: (Link to the
International Avalanche Danger Scale here)
– The La Sal mountains are
being nickel and dimed by these past few storms while ALL of our neighbors
are reaping much higher snowfall amounts. As a result, we are not seeing as much avalanche activity
as other forecast areas. Our
snow pack has plenty of weak layers in the mid and lower pack. We are also yielding moderate shears
in stability tests. But what is
missing in the equation is an adequate load (naturally) due to new snow and
wind loading to tip the scales to failure. Human triggered avalanches will be possible today and
natural avalanches will be unlikely, therefore the Avalanche Danger for today
will be MODERATE.
Use extra caution in
areas of wind loading and steep slopes greater than 35 degrees on North
through E aspects. These slopes
have more instabilities than the warmer South and West aspects. |