US Forest Service Manti-La Sal National Forest

              Snow, Weather and Avalanche Advisory

                       

Introduction:

Good Morning!  This is Max Forgensi with the USFS Manti-La Sal Avalanche Center with your avalanche and mountain weather advisory for the Wasatch Plateau/Manti Skyline Region, including, but not limited to Huntington and Fairview Canyons.  This advisory is brought to you through a partnership of Utah State Parks and the USFS. Today is Saturday, December 4th, 2004 at 7:30 am. 

 

To see some of the Manti Skyline’s past advisories check out the ARCHIVE.  To see current conditions go to our WEATHER PAGE.  To see photos go to the AVIPHOTOS page.

 

We are booking basic avalanche awareness classes all over the Skyline region and have our first AIARE Level I Avalanche Course.  The Level I American Institute for Avalanche, Research and Education class is a three day course with an emphasis on field days.  Call (435) 636-3363 to sign up for this FREE course being held in Mt. Pleasant.  Class dates are January 14th thru the 16th.  Limit of 18 students. 

 

Current Conditions:

The snowmobiling conditions have improved dramatically since Thanksgiving and there is enough snow on the ground to travel on your favorite trails and start venturing out into more remote locations.  A few people got out yesterday and there is plenty of powder left for all.  READ THE AVALANCHE CONDITIONS BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Snow depths vary depending on what aspect and elevation you are at.  Most Southerly and Westerly aspects have shallow snow cover and obstacles such as rocks, logs and stumps are lurking just under the surface, if they aren’t exposed!  On your North and East aspects, that is where you’ll find the most snow cover, from 20”-48” in favored locations.  But there is a catch, where the snow is, that is where the AVALANCHE DANGER is. 

 

Mountain Weather:

Saturday will be a nice day to get out with highs in the low 30’s.  On Sunday, the Skyline has a 70% chance of significant snowfall.  Accumulations are likely.  The high on Sunday will be in the 20’s. 

 

Avalanche Conditions:

There was a lot of avalanche activity up on the Skyline since the past storm.  Numerous avalanches occurred on N-E aspects and at elevations between 9,000’-10,000’  Most avalanches occurred on slopes greater than 35 degrees.  They started at rollovers, just below wind-loaded ridges and on the convexity of slopes.  There were more avalanches observed yesterday than most of last season.  The shallow early season snow depths and cold temperatures have created a relatively weak snow pack.  This season is much different than last season!  For today, I am going to rate the avalanche hazard at MODERATE on N-E aspects on slopes greater than 35 degrees.  Take your clues from Mother Nature.  If an avalanche occurred on one aspect and elevation, slopes on the same aspect and elevation should be treated as suspect.  Below are some other things to think about before heading up.

 

As the snow starts to fall on the Wasatch Plateau, it is time to start thinking about how to recreate safely in the snow and mountains.  And with that, one always thinks of avalanches and how to identify potential hazardous areas.  There is a lot of terrain to go out and explore, a little pre-planning and knowledge goes a long way.  Checking this advisory before you venture out as one of your tools is a step in the right direction.  For the time being, here is some things to incorporate this year into your backcountry adventures.  

Ø       The early season takes us all by surprise, make sure you have packed the essentials.

Ø       Change the batteries on your avalanche transceiver and remember to practice!

Ø       Let someone know of your plan

Ø       Go out and have fun!

Once you are on the slopes, pay attention to where recent wind loads are, be wary of open streams and newly deposited cornices.