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Forecast for the Uintas Area Mountains

Craig Gordon
Issued by Craig Gordon on
Sunday morning, April 13, 2025
The danger rose suggests generally LOW avalanche danger and yes, this is the time of year to get after it. But remember... LOW avy danger ain't NO avy danger-
Even though human triggered avalanches are UNLIKELY, as we stretch our wings and consider bigger objectives, let's keep in mind that even a small avalanche can ruin our day if we get knocked off our feet in steep, technical, committing terrain.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
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Special Announcements
With a full Pink Moon overhead, today Sunday, April 13th is the last of our regularly scheduled avalanche forecasts. Moving forward, we will issue updates when necessary and publish public observations until May 1st.
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Weather and Snow
Nowcast: Some of us slept and some of us worked as a dry cool front slid through northern Utah last night, producing temperatures in the upper 20's. Northwest winds blow 20-30 mph near the high peaks, whilst high clouds drifting through the Uinta zone play peek-a-boo with a big, bright, beautiful, full Pink Moon.
Forecast: Expect mostly sunny skies and more seasonal temperatures climbing into the mid 30's by dinnertime. Winds blowing from the west and northwest stay rather well-behaved and taper into the 20 mph range around sunrise.
Futurecast: The work week kicks off with mostly sunny skies, light winds, and temperatures climbing into the mid and upper 40's... more in line with reasonable averages for mid April. End of the week storminess might throw a reset our way, but forecast models are still on the fence on timing, strength, and overall delivery.
Travel and Riding Conditions: With a solid overnight refreeze I expect the corn crop is back on track. Look for mid elevation solars to start firing by about 9:00 with upper elevation terrain turning soft around mid morning. Kick off the harvest on southeast facing terrain and follow the sun clockwise around dial through the day, chasing natures Zamboni as a firm crop of maize softens with intense April sun.
Joseph working a southeast aspect at 10,500' early in the morning where stellar turning conditions were had. I expect the corn window is a bit wider today.
Recent Avalanches
No avalanches have been reported in the past 24 hours, though throughout the range a variety of wet-loose avalanches and failing cornices can be seen. Check out all travel obs, avalanches, and more from the eastern front and across the state, here!
Northeast and east aspects at 10,650' displaying signs of warming and wet snow activity.
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Avalanche Problem #1
Normal Caution
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The snowpack is locked tight this morning and I think we're off to a stellar day of smooth snow and softening surfaces. I suspect we've got a solid window of time to work around the compass and I don't expect the bottom falls out 'til late in the day... if at all. However, if you find yourself sinking into your knees or trenching into oblivion, you've most likely overstayed your welcome and it's time to change aspect and elevation, or simply call it a day and move on to other activities.
Here's some considerations-
  • Wet snow avalanches can get out of hand quickly -- Even small avalanches in consequential terrain can be fatal, and typically involve lots of trauma. Think about what your riding on, and what's below you if swept off your skis, board or sled, or have a slip and fall.
  • Large cornices can trigger large avalanches -- At the peak of the days heat, watch for cornices falling and avoid being underneath them as they could trigger a larger chunk of snow crashing onto the slope below.
  • Chose the right partners and bring the right tools for the job -- From whats in your pack to your objectives and mindset, don't forget it's a team sport out there.
    • Practice good travel protocol and techniques -- It is an easy way to increase your margins for error, especially in the spring. Start early and end early, space out, ride one at a time, regroup in areas of reduced exposure, and communicate everything throughout your day!
A school bus sized cornice that failed and created a large void and huge divot between the ridge and the slope below. Look for more cornice failure as we get deep into spring and give these boxcar mammoths plenty of room and respect.
Additional Information
A huge shout out to Ski-Doo for getting us out into the hills to help us complete our work, and do a little product testing on the way! The Uinta's are a remote range, and snow machine is nearly the only way to get around. We could not do it without their support, machines, and stoke in our work and mission at the UAC -- You rock, Ski-Doo!
General Announcements
We are always looking for snow and avalanche observations or just general riding conditions. In the meantime reach out to us with questions, concerns, or if you see anything in your travels! Contact us directly through the info below:
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. This forecast was issued on Sunday, April 13th at 03:00 AM and expires 24 hours after it was issued.
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