US
Forest Service
Manti-La Sal National
Forest
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Introduction:
Good afternoon, 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. |
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General Conditions: Come one, come all for some spring
powder conditions in the La Sal Mountains! Not finished skiing powder? This afternoon and Friday will be your best bet to “get
some” in Southeast Utah potentially for the rest of the year, and Medara had
his best turns yesterday…On Saturday, the suns rays will be out and hot,
turning this product into a different story. Over 10” of snow has fallen at the Geyser Pass Trailhead and
over 12” have fallen in Gold Basin and its still snowing. The coral reef is covered and you can
barely feel it. All aspects at
and below treeline was not effected by wind, so go up and enjoy some stellar
fluff. The winds did surface at
11,700’ for some time during the advent of the storm, but for the past 24
hours, they have been really light.
Coming to Moab for some desert fun? Well, you better make room for the skis. Expect a snowy drive up the Geyser
Pass Trailhead this morning. 4wd recommended. The grooming program is all finished
for this season. We are going up today to start bringing down the equipment. Mountain Weather: (At 10,500’) This
Afternoon: Periods
of snow showers. High near 29. North northwest wind between 5 and 10 mph,
with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Total daytime
snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible. |
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Weather Station/ Location |
Snow Depth (HS):
in./cm |
New Snow (HN) in./cm |
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Current Observations:
Wind, 48 hour snow |
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Geyser
Pass Trailhead (9,600’): (snotel link) |
30” |
10” |
21 |
Powder over crusts |
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~ |
N/a |
Powder |
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44” |
12” |
n/a |
Powder |
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N/a |
N/a |
16 |
Very light |
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Avalanche Conditions: (Link to the
International Avalanche Danger Scale here)
– The snow bonded really nicely on South and West
aspects. Avalanche dragons are
still out there though. On
steep, northerly aspects above tree line, this is where snow has been
transported and where the sun has yet to play an important part in
stability. The new snow and snow
from last Saturday’s storm is sitting on a red sand crust. Below that pencil hard layer, near
crust facets have formed which have produced fast, clean shears (Q1) on
compression tests and ruschblock tests.
This shows stored potential energy, enough that avalanches on these
aspects will be a concern . Expect to find a CONSIDERABLE
avalanche danger on steep slopes above treeline on North East Through North
West facing slopes. A CONSIDERABLE hazard will also be found on
Easterly and |