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, February 7^th, 2004 at 7:30 a.m.

General Conditions:

Let it snow, let it snow! Over the past week we have received anywhere from 12-24” and more is expected for today and tonight. Yesterday there was minimal traffic on the Skyline and there is plenty of fresh powder to track up and get some good riding in. Currently at the Mammoth/Cottonwood SNOTEL it is 17 degrees out with 45 inches of snow on the ground. At the Miller Flat Reservoir Trailhead we have 45 inches of snow on the ground as well. The road crews have done a great job plowing the roads and the parking lots, although in some of the shady areas, there are patches of ice and snow.

Mountain Weather:

Another frontal passage is on the way, and the snow has made its way past the UT/NV border. Expect snow to start sometime this morning.

Today: Breezy. 70% chance of snow showers. Accumulations of 1-3 inches expected. Highs @ 8,000’ near 30. Winds out of the SW at 15-25 mph.

Tonight: Windy. Snow. Accumulations of 1-3 inches expected. Lows @ 8,000’ near 5-10 degrees. Winds will be out of the NW at 20-30 mph.

Sunday: Colder. Mostly Cloudy. 30% chance of some additional snow. Highs at 8,000’ around 20 degrees

Avalanche Conditions:

Yesterday was a great day to go and see how our past storm had bonded with the old snow surface. I observed numerous sluffs, or loose snow avalanches, on aspects N-E. These started from cornices, rocks and trees. I also experienced some collapsing in the snow pack while I was traveling around. There are areas that the wind has deposited some good drifts, these also being on N-E aspects. This all being said, the avalanche danger rating for today is going to be MODERATE on all aspects with pockets of CONSIDERABLE on steep wind-loaded slopes N-E greater than 35 degrees. This is taking into effect not only what is on the ground right now, but also the expected winds, their directions and potential snowfall. Be careful on and around any newly formed cornices. Always travel safely in the backcountry.

Public Announcements:

We have some classes coming your way in February! 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 mforgensi@fs.fed.us. We are still looking for observers for the Wasatch Plateau/Skyline region. The more information we can gather, the better this advisory can be.