Introduction: Good
Morning! This is Evan Stevens with the
USFS Manti-La Sal Avalanche Center with your avalanche and mountain weather
advisory. Today is Saturday, November
20th, 2004 at 11:00 a.m.
We will be issuing weekend and some weekday updates through the
early season with general conditions or as the weather dictates, as we get back
to full operations for the new winter.
You can always check the latest snow and weather information on our
website, www.avalanche.org/~lsafc
General Conditions:
The them for today is change, as a strong system moves in bringing
a WINTER STORM WARNING through noon on Sunday followed by a strong cold front,
dropping temperatures 10-20 degrees for the next few days. Base depths are still thin, in the 10”-14”
at 9,500’ to upwards of 26”-30” at higher and more favored locations such as
Gold Basin. A few new inches of snow
has accumulated this morning with some light to moderate winds out of the
WSW. The snow is supportable enough to
offer some enjoyable turning and riding conditions, which should improve as the
day goes on. Remember though it is
still early season, so be wary of obstacles such as rocks and logs, hiding
just at or below the snow surface.
Remember the road won’t be plowed until Monday, so chains and 4WD are
recommended.
Mountain Weather:
8” to 16” of total snow accumulation is expected from the storm,
accompanied by winds in the 15-25mph shifting to the N this afternoon. Highs will be in the 20’s with lows in the
teens tonight. Snow should be heavy
tonight through tomorrow morning, changing to a more showery pattern tomorrow.
Avalanche Conditions:
Everyone should have their avalanche game ready to go. Conditions are changing rapidly out there
with heavy snowfall and winds strong enough to transport snow. As the snow starts to pile up the avalanche
danger will increase to the CONSIDERABLE
level. This means that human triggered
avalanches are probable. The main areas
of concern are at and above treeline, especially in wind loaded slopes and
gullies, where previous snow depths were deep enough to cover up any anchors.
Here are a few general pointers to get you focused for the new
season:
· Make sure your
beacon has new batteries in it and practice, practice!
· Be weary of wind
drifted slopes… look for clues of instability: recent avalanche activity,
shooting cracks and whoomphing sounds are signs of instability
· Employ safe
travel techniques…ride one at a time from safe zone to safe zone with all eyes
on the person on the slope.
· We live in the
desert, pay attention to any rapid warming, snow conditions could turn quickly
· Have a plan and
sign the trail register!
Nordic and Skate Skiing:
New snow will put optimal conditions on hold for a little while.