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 avalanche danger for the Manti-Skyline area is generally LOW. There are a few pockets of MODERATE hazard where fresh shallow wind slabs have developed on the upper elevation east facing slopes. Remember, LOW hazard doesn't mean no hazard. Keep your wits about you and enjoy the spring like riding. |
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CURRENT CONDITIONS |
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There's good news and there's bad news. The good news is that the snowpack is feeling pretty locked up at the moment. The bad news is that the riding conditions are terrible. There's a variety of crusts in the forecast area on all aspects and elevations, but they seem to be most pronounced at mid elevation slopes that see intense sun. (Read South & West). The supportable crusts allow you to go almost anywhere you please with ease, but it takes a glutton for punishment to want to go anywhere at all out there.......
If you don't have a set of scratchers, now would be a good time to order a set from the boys at Big Pine...... |
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RECENT ACTIVITY |
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No significant recent activity reported or observed. A few very small sluffs that didn't go far were observed as a result of cornice failure. |
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THREAT #1 |
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PROBABILITY |
SIZE |
TREND |
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Over the next
24
hours.
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Friday saw a dusting of snow (1- 3") across the forecast area along with a healthy dose (30mph +) of Westerly winds. The winds enjoyed pummeling the small amount of new snow. All this action will result in some manageable, shallow yet sensitive wind slabs on our higher elevation east facing slopes. Shouldn't be much of an issue, but be alert for anomalies. If you come into a slope that feels stiff and slabby under the machine think about avoiding it. |
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THREAT #2 |
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PROBABILITY |
SIZE |
TREND |
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While things seem pretty benign out there, don't loose your head. Continue to follow good travel practices, (one at a time on the slopes), take your avalanche rescue gear with you and stay alert for changing conditions. |
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MOUNTAIN WEATHER |
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It's calm and clear on the skyline this morning. 20 degrees F and not a cloud in the sky. Today will feel tropical compared to yesterday, temperatures will rise to above freezing though most of the forecast area. The current snowpack has been through so many big melt freeze cycles that this won't dramatically affect it.
The south-westerly flow kicks back in on Monday bringing a series of weak disturbances through making for a chance of snow through Friday. We could really use some fresh snow, so cross your fingers and your toes. |
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GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS |
The 5th annual Snowkite Masters is being held at the top of Fairview Canyon this weekend. This event rallies Kiters from around the globe for a fun weekend of Freeriding, Freestyle Exhibition and Racing. This North American leg of the Snowkite Masters series will host the US Open with National Champion Titles up for grabs. You can expect the parking lots to be full up there this weekend. There are probably better places to ride your sled this weekend as there will be A LOT of kiters up there!
If you see or trigger an avalanche it would do the community good to report it. Your observations help to save the lives of others. The forecast area is large, and due to funding cuts I only have one field day to spend on the Skyline. This means that I can't possibly see it all. I need you to help me, help you. Please share your observations and experiences:
Shoot me an email: grant@utahavalanchecenter.org and or call me on my cell: 406-370-1337. Thanks!
Due to budget cuts we are only able to produce an advisory that is updated each Saturday morning.
Keep in mind that conditions change dramatically and that information may not be relevant for later in the week.
Want to schedule an avalanche awareness talk? Contact me for details.
This forecast will be updated by 7:00am Saturday March 7th. |
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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. |
