US
Good morning, this Max Forgensi
with the If you have been out in the backcountry, please post your OBSERVATIONS with us! To check out past advisories, go to ARCHIVE. To check out the current weather, go to our WEATHER page. For more information on snowmobiling on the Skyline, click this LINK WE ARE TEACHING A FREE A.I.A.R.E. (AMEREICAN
INSTITUTE FOR AVALANCHE, REASEARCH AND EDUCATION) CLASS UP ON THE SKYLINE! THE CLASS IS SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY 26TH-28TH. CALL 435-636-3363 TO SIGN UP. |
General Conditions: A cold upper level low
centered over Southern Utah will stay until this afternoon until it moves out
of the area to the South. A
ridge of high pressure will build tonight and stay through most of the week. Snow showers in Northern Utah should
start to spread southward as the low pressure system moves out, giving a
chance of snow to the Manti-Skyline.
Today, conditions for recreation will be great for snow kites as the
forecasted winds are between 12 & 17 mph. Snowmobiles will find good trail riding conditions and
some untouched areas in meadows…be careful of ground hazards, they are out
there and people are damaging their sleds. Alpine bowls are tricky currently. Access to them are marginal and the snow
cover is variable (bare, shallow, to wind loaded) in them. Have fun, but be careful. Mountain Weather: Snow Advisory in effect until 12 pm MST Today |
Weather Station/ Location |
Snow Depth (HS):
in./cm |
New Snow (HN) in./cm |
|
Current Observations:
Wind, 48 hour snow |
Mammoth/Cottonwood SNOTEL (8,800’): |
25.9” |
0” |
6.1 |
Snow on the way? |
|
20.1” |
0” |
1.9 |
Winds out of the WNW at 12 gust to 17 |
Wx down |
Wx down |
Wx down |
Wx down |
|
Miller
Flat Trailhead: |
25” |
~ |
~ |
COLD!!!! |
Avalanche Conditions:
(Click here
for the International Avalanche Danger Scale) Conditions have been very benign, with the lack of
any new snowfall and cold temperatures.
On North through East aspects, the High Pressure of the past week
compounded with cold temperatures has faceted the upper 4” of snow, making
their bonds weaker. In the lower
half of this snow pack, faceted grains exist as well. We have a bed surface, weak layers(s)
and the terrain for avalanches to slide upon. What we need now for a LARGE avalanche cycle is a
significant load. It appears
that we do not have a weather maker for this load to develop and as a result
the Avalanche Danger for today will be LOW. Travel will generally be safe,
although be aware of areas of hard wind slabs on leeward sides of slopes and
ridges on SE-E aspects. We
received a report of a snowmobile-triggered avalanche on one of these slopes
last week which broke out a 1-1.5’ crown. It was small and did not bury the party, it surprised them
sure enough. |