Manti-La Sal Avalanche Center

US Forest Service Manti-La Sal National Forest

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 Fairview and Huntington Canyons. This advisory is brought to you through a partnership of the US Forest Service and Utah State Parks. Today is Saturday, December 13^th, 2003 at 7:30 a.m.

Mountain Weather:

Yesterday there was more new snow on the ground from this past weekend than snowmobile tracks, fresh powder is blanketing the entire skyline region. A foot of snow fell last Sunday night and Monday in most areas and observers report that about two feet of snow fell in 12 Mile Canyon. There is two feet of snow on the ground at Millers Flat Reservoir and the current temperature is 21F. Forecast as follows:

Today: Breezy. Mostly cloudy and snow is possible. High near 30. Winds out of the West at 15-25 mph.

Tonight: Winds continue under mostly cloudy skies. Snow possible. Low near 20.

Sunday: Windy. Winds out of the west at 15-25, increasing in the P.M. to 20-30. High near 30.

General Conditions:

What a difference a week makes. The new snow definitely helped out with our coverage, although in some places the sage is still poking out. The road is snow packed in spots and a bit slick. And remember, this is still the early season. Be weary of obstacles buried just under the surface of the snow.

Avalanche Conditions:

My main concern for this weekend is how the new snow bonded with the old snow surface. Yesterday I found some wind slabs that bonded poorly to the old snow surface due to a snow type called graupel, kind of like little Styrofoam balls that act as ball bearings. But in areas that are not effected by the wind, a wind slab has not formed and this graupel layer appears not to cause any problems. Observers report no whoomphing or cracking, although cornices are tender and easy to kick off. My overall back country danger rating is going to be LOW, with areas of MODERATE on wind loaded slopes (N-SE) greater than 35 degrees and in areas that large cornices have developed. Always travel safely in the back-country. When high marking, go one at a time and watch your partner from a safe area, not directly under the slope!

Public Announcements:

On Saturday, December 20^th, there will be a avalanche beacon workshop at the Millers Flat Trailhead at high noon. Everyone is welcome, and there will be an array of beacons to try out!

We have some great classes coming your way in January! Take a look at our Education link on the main page. If you want to schedule a free avalanche awareness class for your snowmobile club, please call us at 435.636.3363 or leave an email at mforgens@fs.fed.us.