Our deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of local Monticello resident, Scott Pehrson Jr. who was caught and buried by a fatal avalanche in the La Sals on Friday, January 25. Search and rescue teams recovered his body yesterday afternoon. Much thanks to San Juan, and Grand County Search and Rescues, Classic Air Medical, and the Utah Department of Public Safety, as well as Wasatch Powder Bird Guides, and professional dog teams from Wasatch Backcountry Rescue, Alta, and Park City ski patrols. Here is the
preliminary report that will be updated with more information soon.
We will be offering a
Backcountry 101 avalanche course on Feb 8, 9. It's a great way to up your avalanche knowledge with both classroom, and hands on field instruction. Click
here for more details and to register.
Warmer temps and slower wind speeds are the only changed in weather this morning. Skies are clear and 10,000' temps are in the high teens, and NW winds are light blowing 5-15 mph along ridge tops. Today look for sunny skies and high temps in the upper 20's. NW winds will continue to be mostly light. There are no storms for the foreseeable future.
Soft snow conditions can still be found in sheltered locations but much of the exposed terrain has taken a hit from the wind and sun. The snowpack is complex and dangerous with buried, persistent weak layers and a liberal scattering of wind slabs. Don't let the sunny day lure you into a false sense of security. For quality and safety, stick to low angle, wind sheltered terrain.
Wind, temperature, and humidity on
Abajo Peak (11,000')
