Forecast for the Salt Lake Area Mountains
Thursday morning, January 31, 2013
There is a CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger in many areas today in the mid and upper elevations. It is no time to be getting onto steep avalanche paths. Use ridges for backcountry travel and stay out from underneath steep slopes as well.
Special Avalanche Bulletin
THE CURRENT STORM HAS LED TO DANGEROUS AVALANCHE CONDITIONS IN STEEP TERRAIN. THIS INCLUDES MOUNTAIN VALLEYS THAT HAVE RECEIVED A LOT OF SNOW. NATURAL AND HUMAN TRIGGERED AVALANCHES ARE LIKELY.
Special Announcements
Little Cottonwood Canyon is currently closed for avalanche control work. Expected re-opening is 8:30am, Jan 31st, 2013.
Andrew McLean author of The Chuting Gallery, & former UAC forecaster will give a presentation on skiing in Alaska tonight at Snowbird. DETAILS
Weather and Snow
There was a major change in snow conditions that happened on Wednesday. Higher density snow fell coupled with strong winds creating an 'upside down' layering situation. This was capped off with a nice rime event which produced a crust varying in thickness and distribution through the central Wasatch. The westerly winds look like they peaked overnight with gusts into the 70s along the highest ridges but also into the 30s and 40s along the mid elevation ridges. THE WINDS ARE INCREASING THE AVALANCHE DANGER. Temperatures are in the upper teens to low 20s and there is some light snow falling. 2 to 4 inches of new snow fell in the last 12 hours. In general, we have storm totals of 1 to 2 1/2 feet containing 1 to 2 1/2 inches of water weight. This is a significant loading event.
Recent Avalanches
A number of fresh wind slabs were reported from Wednesday, both human triggered and a handful of naturals. The low density snow from earlier in the week was acting as the weak layer. They ranged from 8 to 24 inches deep.
Persistent Weak Layer
Description
We may be passed the peak instability of the new wind slabs but this perhaps makes them even more dangerous as they will most likely be more stubborn not giving us instant gratification if they're provoked. These fresh wind slabs are most dangerous on the lee east facing terrain but watch for cross loaded features on all aspects.
New Snow
Description
The facets formed in January is what makes me the most concerned about the recent wind loading. While I do feel like this persistent weakness is more of a scattered problem, the new fresh slab will enhance it making things more sensitive and perhaps connecting wider areas of weak snow. Let things sit for a day or so and we'll get a handle on what went down and what to expect. The somewhat poor riding conditions are not worth risking it anyway.
Additional Information
It looks as if we'll see continued windy conditions for a good portion of the day with moderate to strong westerly winds. The storm is exiting our area but we may still see some periods of snow and perhaps rime again today. Not much accumulation is expected. Temperatures will get into the low 20s along the ridges. High pressure builds in for the weekend and into next week with clearing and mild temperatures.
General Announcements
Go to http://www.backcountry.com/utah-avalanche-center to get tickets from our partners at Park City, Beaver Mountain, Canyons, Sundance, and Wolf Mountain. All proceeds benefit the Utah Avalanche Center.
If you trigger an avalanche in the backcountry - especially if you are adjacent to a ski area – please call the following teams to alert them to the slide and whether anyone is missing or not. Rescue teams can be exposed to significant hazard when responding to avalanches, and do not want to do so when unneeded. Thanks.
Salt Lake and Park City – Alta Central (801-742-2033), Canyons Resort Dispatch (435-615-3322)
Ogden – Snowbasin Patrol Dispatch (801-620-1017)
Powder Mountain Ski Patrol Dispatch (801-745-3773 ex 123)
Provo – Sundance Patrol Dispatch (801-223-4150)
Dawn Patrol Forecast Hotline, updated by 05:30: 888-999-4019 option 8.
Twitter Updates for your mobile phone - DETAILS
Daily observations are frequently posted by 10 pm each evening.
Subscribe to the daily avalanche advisory e-mail click HERE.
UDOT canyon closures UDOT at (801) 975-4838
Wasatch Powderbird Guides does daily updates about where they'll be operating on this blog http://powderbird.blogspot.com/ .
Remember your information can save lives. If you see anything we should know about, please participate in the creation of our own community avalanche advisory by submitting snow and avalanche conditions. You can also call us at 801-524-5304 or 800-662-4140, or email by clicking HERE
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For a print version of this advisory click HERE.
This advisory is produced by the U.S. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. It describes only general avalanche conditions and local variations always exist. Specific terrain and route finding decisions should always be based on skills learned in a field-based avalanche class.