The BOTTOM LINE for today in the Abajo and La Sal Mountains is an avalanche danger of Considerable, with pockets of HIGH on steep NW-N-NE aspects at and above treeline. Excellent conditions can be expected but it is very, very cold. Please dress for success and check your partners for frostbite!

Artic air has settled over the forecast area in the wake of a storm that blanketed the La Sal and Abajo mountains with almost two feet of snow. It is -9 degrees at the La Sal Snotel site right now at 9800 ft. Water totals of over 2" in the La Sals and 3" in the Abajos tell the story. Ski conditions are unbelievable and a lot of weight has been added to the snowpack increasing avalanche dangers along with the snow quality. The snow we've received is very light, and reports are that skiing and riding conditions are as good as they get. Check your partner for frostbite today if you go up!

The La Sal Loop road has now been plowed but the Geyser Pass road has NOT been plowed yet. Information rec'd so far suggests it is pretty rugged right now.

We'll get back to you on the grooming schedule.

There was limited visibility during December 30th's tour, the only avalanche to note was the last road cut on the Geyser Pass road. There was plenty of collapsing and settling on the tour, and test slopes produced propagating cracks in the new snow.

NOAA MOUNTAIN WEATHER FORECAST FOR 10,000FT:

New Year's Day: Mostly sunny, with a high near 15. Wind chill values as low as -10. East southeast wind 5 to 15 mph becoming west. Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around -1. Wind chill values as low as -15. West northwest wind between 10 and 15 mph becoming calm. Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 23. Calm wind becoming west southwest between 10 and 15 mph. Sunday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 6. South southwest wind between 10 and 15 mph. Monday: A 20 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 26. Calm wind becoming north northwest around 5 mph. Monday Night: A 30 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 12. Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 28.

We will update this message on Monday morning.

The LSAC will be offering 2 avalanche classes this year. Our yearly Level 1 class will be held January 28, 29 and 30 of this winter season. The level 1 class focuses on avalanche phenomena, recognition and management of terrain where you might encounter these beasts and basic rescue.

This season, if we can pick up 6 participants, we are also hoping to do a Level 2 class. Tentative dates for the class are February 3-6. It is a 4-day class reviewing the basics covered in level 1, then carrying the subject matter further, exploring snowpack formation, crystal analysis, climactic effects and advanced rescue.

Call 435-636-3363 and speak to Dave or Max for more information or to sign up for one of the classes.