SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT |
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The LSAC still has room for more folks in both our Level 1 (Jan 28-30) and our Level 2 (Feb 3-6) Avalanche Courses. These courses are provided through the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education who offer an excellent curriculum and teaching methods. They're also inexpensive! |
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BOTTOM LINE
Danger by aspect and elevation on slopes approaching 35° or steeper.
(click HERE for tomorrow's danger rating)
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Danger Rose Tutorial
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The BOTTOM LINE for today in the Abajo and La Sal Mountains is an avalanche danger of MODERATE or LEVEL 2.
Skiing and Riding conditions are excellent E-NE-NW facing slopes and in flat areas. |
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CURRENT CONDITIONS |
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Looks like the fine weather is over for a while as a weak system move into SE Utah from the north. We've picked up a trace of snow overnight in the La Sals. It doesn't look like we'll be picking up much snow, but the weather is going to go more wintery. None of the Mesowest related weather sites are reporting this morning but it is 22 degrees at the Gold Basin Study plot this morning at 7:30 @ 10,000 ft.
Great snow conditions for skiing and riding can still be found in the Mountains of SE Utah if you keep the slope aspect away from the sun a ride E-NE-NW facing slopes and flat areas. It has been an excellent winter for powder snow so far and it does not look like that situation is going to change any time soon.
We have 56 inches of snow at the Gold Basin Study Plot, and 31inches at the La Sal Snotel. We are 129% of normal water in the La Sals and 195% of normal in the Abajos with 41" at 8600 ft at Camp Jackson.
The Geyser Pass road is buffed. Access to the old Blue Mountain Ski area in the Abajos has been plowed to the base of the hill - very convenient!
Almost all of the La Sal Nordic system has been groomed by Matt Hebbard. We've tried to add some extra terrain at lower elevations near the trailhead so take advantage folks! Maps are available at the Geyser Pass TH Kiosk. There is an inch of new powder on the groom but conditions are still excellent. |
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RECENT ACTIVITY |
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class 1 sluffing in newest snow,
some wet stuff from the last couple of days. |
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THREAT #1 |
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PROBABILITY |
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TREND |
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Over the next
48 hours.
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Warmer weather, well-behaved winds, and a lack of significant precipitation over the last 2 weeks are combining to leave us in a rather desirable situation. Good snow - and a less-than-average avalanche danger rating in SE Utah.
Our only problem is the "yellow flags" the we're seeing in the snowpack. While not exactly "red card" disqualifications from skiability, these yellow flags must be taken into account. The snowpack is given "yellow flags" mostly for layering. Layers of snow close to each other with big differences in hardness or grain size are given yellow flags. Layers in the snowpack that are known to be persistent weak layers are given yellow flags especially if they are buried 20-80 CM down from the snow surface. There are a few other yellow flag critieria, and our snowpack - particularly in thinner snow coverage areas - receives 5-6 yellow flags on close inspection. This is a more scientific way of explaining what the old timers have always known and that is: you can't fully trust a snowpack with buried persistent weak layers in it. Buried Surface Hoar from 12/28 and 1/8 result is easy shear tests where these grains can still be found intact.
The take home message here is to stay wary. People are starting to venture deeper into the backcountry. While unlikely, it may still be possible for Human Triggered Avalanches to occur and Avalanche Dangers remain at the MODERATE or LEVEL 2 stage. Localized areas of wind slab at high elevations are most likely areas for triggering. Use good travel skills to minimize the risk. Ski one at a time and wait for others in your party from a safe location. Good travel skills in the backcountry can save your life if you make a bad call regarding snow stability. As we get more aggressive, safe travel protocols become more important. |
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MOUNTAIN WEATHER |
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NOAA MOUNTAIN WEATHER FORECAST FOR THE LA SALS @10,000FT:
Today: A 40 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 36. West southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm. Tonight: A 40 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25. Northeast wind around 5 mph becoming south. M.L.King Day: Areas of blowing snow and a chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 37. West southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming northeast. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible. Monday Night: Areas of blowing snow and a chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 21. Blustery, with a northwest wind between 15 and 25 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Tuesday: A 30 percent chance of snow before 11am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 35. East wind around 5 mph becoming northwest. Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 20. Wednesday: A 40 percent chance of snow. Partly sunny, with a high near 34. Wednesday Night: A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 17. Thursday: A slight chance of snow. Mostly sunny, with a high near 33. Thursday Night: A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24. |
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GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS |
We will update this message Monday morning, sooner if conditions change.
The Utah Avalanche Center has a limited number of discount lift tickets available for Brian Head Ski Resort. Follow this link for more information: http://www.backcountry.com/utah-avalanche-center
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. |
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This information does not apply to developed ski areas or highways where avalanche control is normally done. This advisory is from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This advisory describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur. |
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This advisory provided by the USDA Forest Service, in partnership with:
The Friends of the Utah Avalanche Center, Utah Division of State Parks and Recreation, Utah Division of Emergency Management, Salt Lake County, Salt Lake Unified Fire Authority and the friends of the La Sal Avalanche Center. See our Sponsors Page for a complete list. |
