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. Today is Wednesday December 15th, 2004 at 7:30 a.m.

To see past advisories check out the ARCHIVE. To see current conditions go to our WEATHER PAGE. To see photos go to the AVIPHOTOS page.

General Conditions:

The high pressure system is still dominating our weather pattern here in Moab, although for the past few days, the daytime high temperatures and nighttime low temperatures are slowly becoming colder. Unfortunately, it appears that snow isn’t in our forecast for quite some time. It is time to wash your cars, burn your skis and pray for snow. It might be time to get your mountain bike out for a while. The high temperature yesterday at the trailhead reached 41 degrees. Expect sun crusts on S-E-W aspects, while your best bet for powder is going to be on protected north aspects. For today, I am going to see if any corn is forming out there and the extent of wet point releases.

Current Conditions: (click location for latest data)

Geyser Pass Trailhead (9,600’): 23 degrees out with 22”-28” on the ground

Pre-Laurel Peak (11,700’): 6:00 am temperature is 23 degrees, with winds out of the WSW at 5-8 mph.

Gold Basin has about 36-40” of settled snow on the ground.

Mountain Weather: (At 10,500’)

Today. Partly cloudy. High near 29. Winds will be out of the NNW at 15 mph.

Tonight. Partly cloudy. Lows near 11. Blustery winds will be out of the NNE at 20-25 mph. Wind chill values will make it feel like 0.

Thursday. Partly cloudy. High near 31. Blustery winds will be out of the NE at 10-20 mph.

Avalanche Conditions:

Things are settling in to a calm phase now in the mountains. A few pockets of old wind slab are still lingering around and may be reactive to the weight of a backcountry traveler. On shady and wind loaded slopes steeper than 35 degrees the avalanche danger is MODERATE. The other main concern out there is for mid-day to afternoon wet point releases. The danger for wet slides will increase to MODERATE on SE-S-SW-W aspects as the sun works its way through the sky.

Nordic and Skate Skiing:

An enjoyable day for you classic Nordic and Skate skiers as tracks are packed out and fast.