Manti-La Sal Avalanche Center

US Forest Service Manti-La Sal National Forest   

Introduction:

Good Afternoon!  This is Max Forgensi with the USFS Manti-La Sal Avalanche Center with an early season for the Manti Skyline/ Wasatch Plateau, including but not limited to Fairview and Huntington Canyons.  This report is brought to you by Utah State Parks and the US Forest Service. Today is Monday, November 15th, 2004 at 3:30 P.M.

 

General Information:

The Manti-La Sal Avalanche Center opened its doors today for the 2004-2005 winter season.  Both Evan Stevens and I are excited about this season.   We will be putting out our first advisory for the Thanksgiving weekend and look to put out weekend and holiday advisories starting in the beginning part of December. 

We have already booked some avalanche awareness classes in the Skyline region and are planning to put a three day Snowmobile Level I Avalanche Course on in the beginning of the winter.  Anyone interested in booking a class for your group can contact us at 435.636.3363.

 

General Conditions:

The recent storms have missed the Manti-Skyline and snowmobilers are reporting early season riding conditions.  Roads are in decent shape and you have to dodge a few rocks on your excursions.  The Miller Flat Reservoir snow stake is reporting only six inches on the ground.  I would wait for a couple good storms for the off-road conditions to improve. 

 

Avalanche Conditions:

It is never too early to start thinking avalanche in the backcountry.  It is wise to start wearing your avalanche beacons, practice with them and use safe travel techniques.  Safe travel techniques include: Riding one at a time in avalanche terrain while waiting your turn in a safe area, having communication with fellow snow-riders and maintaining a safe distance between machines (rocks flying).  Be careful of early season obstacles such as rocks, stumps and open streams.  Be wary of recently deposited wind slabs and fresh cornices as well!  Keep your fingers crossed for some more snow to fly and we will see you up on the Plateau in the near future!