Manti-La Sal Avalanche Center
Avalanche Advisory
Saturday - April 12, 2008-7:01 am
Forecaster: Max Forgensi

Current Conditions:

A large spring storm this past week dumped between 14"-24" of snow on the La Sal mountains.  Observers reported the snow to be super light and fluffy, some of the best skiing they have had in years!  The Geyser Pass Trailhead received 14" out of the storm.  Coverage is great at 9,600'.  There is 64" of snow at the Geyser Pass Trailhead. 

It might be spring out in the desert but the mountains are still cold.  Yesterday, the temperatures stayed well below freezing, keeping powder conditions pristine.   Today's highs should only reach the mid-thirties.  It is currently 12 degrees and the TH and 8 degrees at Pre-Laurel Peak.  The winds have finally died down in the alpine.  We have had consistent winds out of the N-NNW for 22 of the past 24 hours.  Relative humidities have been high and averages in the 20's and 30's.  Expect soft slabs to have developed farther down on South aspects than expected.  

A high pressure system is effecting the entire continental United States.  Expect a swift and consistent warm up throughout the next five days.  Today could be your best chance on getting some great late season powder skiing.  

As for the Geyser Pass road, it is still not plowed.  4WD and chains are recommended.  Folks are still making it to the trailhead.  Two calls to the San Juan road department yesterday and no one was around.  At least this last storm fell on dry ground! 

Recent Avalanches & Snowpack Info:
Nothing new to report from the observers, BUT we have received critical values of snow amounts.  Any time we receive over 12" of snow with strong winds, you can definately expect some sensitive soft slabs.  We will be concerned with new snow instabilities today and tomorrow...don't overlook them!  South aspects had a smooth surface on them before this storm and could be a great bed surface.  Always ski cut your decent route and ski one at a time. 


Avalanche Concern #1:
Be weary of wind loaded and cross-loaded slopes at and above treeline today. 


Avalanche Concern #2:
If the air temperatures warm up faster than expected and we get a good dose of solar radiation, you can expect roller balls to occur on South through West aspects by noon.  Keep your situational awareness up! 


Bottom Line:
The BOTTOM LINE for today will be an Avalanche Danger of MODERATE on steep wind loaded slopes on South aspects at and above tree-line.  If temperatures warm up today, these same slope could start to produce wet point released which could entrain enough snow to get you in trouble. 


Mountain Weather:
Today: Sunny, with a high near 35. Northeast wind around 5 mph.
Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 24. North wind around 5 mph becoming east.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 44. East wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Sunday Night: Clear, with a low around 35. West northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 56. Southwest wind between 5 and 10 mph.

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