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Today's avalanche danger on the Manti Skyline is MODERATE.
Human triggered avalanches are possible especially in areas with recent deposits of wind drifted snow.
This means watch out for and avoid drifts, pillows and slabs that have formed just below ridgelines on steep slopes. East facing slopes are the most suspect.
Recently formed wind drifts and slabs may crack out on you today. Things will probably not be as sensitive as they've been. Things were a little touchy over the last three days. The continued wind drifting has made some of these drifts large enough that you don't want to toy with them. They are most pronounced on slopes that face east right below ridges. Simply avoid these to stay safe.
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Many areas where the wind has deposited snow also have a Persistent Weak Layer of faceted snow buried deeper in the snowpack. This is by far the most dangerous situation out there. The likelihood of triggering an avalanche that breaks deep into facets isn't all that great but if you do, it's almost guaranteed that it will be in an area where the recent wind has add snow and formed drifts and slabs. Again, simply avoid "pillowy" looking drifts of snow and you'll avoid trouble.
Current Conditions: Temperatures barely made it above 10˚F on Sunday and dropped back to around 0˚ to 5˚F overnight. Wind is still in the moderate speed along the highest terrain but just down from there, it has slowed. It's been generally from the west. There was some very light snowfall overnight adding a trace to an inch. Totals from over the weekend are 2 to 3 inches.
Mountain Weather: It's going to be another cold day with temperatures only getting up to around 10˚F again. Moderate wind from the west northwest along the higher terrain will continue. Clouds should start to break this morning and continue to clear through the afternoon. We have sunny skies with slightly warmer temperatures lined up for the rest of the work week. It looks like the wind could get pretty strong Tuesday into Wednesday. The next chance for snow is this weekend. It doesn't look real promising but at least there's a chance that we'll see something.
This forecast is from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This forecast describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.
