AVALANCHE WARNING »
Dangerous avalanche conditions are occuring or are imminent.
Backcountry travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.
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Notice:
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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT |
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Mirror Lake Highway is officially closed |
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BOTTOM LINE
Danger by aspect and elevation on slopes approaching 35° or steeper.
(click HERE for tomorrow's danger rating)
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Danger Rose Tutorial
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The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE and dangerous avalanche condition exist in steep, wind drifted, upper elevation terrain facing east, northeast, north and northwest, especially on slopes with a pre-existing snowpack. Natural avalanches are likely, human triggered avalanches are very likely in this type of terrain. Out of the wind zone in mid elevation terrain the avalanche danger is MODERATE and human triggered avalanches within the new storm snow are possible. The avalanche danger is generally LOW on slopes that had no snow prior to this storm. |
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CURRENT CONDITIONS |
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An energetic storm system slammed the western Uinta’s late yesterday and overnight, finally giving us a good shot of snow. Storm totals at the upper elevations so far are pretty evenly disbursed and 10” of new snow is the norm from Daniels to Mirror Lake to Chalk Creek. Trial Lake came in as the big winner with 13” and with about an inch of water, snow densities are right around 10 percent. West and southwest winds are blowing 15-30 mph along the ridges, up around the high peaks though it’s cranking 25-50 mph. Temperatures have been on the rise overnight and are currently in the low to mid 20’s. |
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RECENT ACTIVITY |
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No news on the eastern front, but a close call yesterday in the central Wasatch. A skier triggered slide on Cardiac Ridge, buried for a short time, recovered blue, but started breathing and is OK.
Click here for a look at recent observations from our turf. |
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THREAT #1 |
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PROBABILITY |
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TREND |
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Over the next
24 hours.
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Much like a boxer on the ropes at the end of the 13th round, our fragile snowpack is reeling from a one-two punch combination of strong winds and heavy snow. At many locations in the past 24 hours we’ve nearly doubled the depth of our snowpack, adding a rapid load in a short period of time. Avalanche conditions today are dangerous and deceptive. At mid and low elevations and on sun-exposed slopes the new storm snow is falling on bare ground and your biggest concern is slamming into rocks and obstacles barely hidden under this new blanket of snow. However, if you’re headed to upper elevation terrain, especially to shady slopes facing the north half of the compass that had a pre-existing snowpack, you’re dealing with an entirely different setup. Remember- the old snow near the ground has grown very weak and sugary and now a cohesive slab rests on top of this mess. Avalanches triggered today will fail on weak snow near the ground, creating a deep and dangerous slide. As you travel today look for clues to snow instability to help you make an assessment to the terrain you want to ride in. Shooting cracks, whoomphing sounds and of course, avalanche activity are all huge red flags.
I know we’ve been powder starved this season and we’re gonna want to get out and ride now that the winters first big storm is finally here. Remember- the snowpack will see this storm differently than we do. Many early season avalanche accidents and close calls occur when we don’t think there’s enough snow to slide. You’re best bet the next couple of days is to have some patience and as the snow stacks up think about riding low angle terrain or south facing slopes. |
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MOUNTAIN WEATHER |
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A moist Pacific system will continue to impact the region and another 8”-12” of snow is expected. Southwest winds are gonna be an issue today, blowing 15-25 mph with gusts in the 50’s along the ridges, calming down late in the day. High temperatures will reach into the mid and upper 20’s with overnight lows near 15 degrees. A few snow showers linger through the evening hours and another 2”-4” of snow may stack up. High pressure builds for Monday through most of the week giving us partly cloudy skies and warmer temperatures with highs in the low 30’s. |
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GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS |
The information in this advisory expires 24 hours after the date and time posted, but will be updated by 7:00 AM Wednesday December 16th.
If you’re getting out and about and trigger an avalanche or see anything interesting please drop me an email at craig@utahavalanchecenter.org or call 801-231-2170
Also, now is a great time to schedule one of our free avalanche awareness presentations for your group or club. Email or call me and we’ll get you booked before things get too crazy. |
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This information does not apply to developed ski areas or highways where avalanche control is normally done. This advisory is from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This advisory describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur. |
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This advisory provided by the USDA Forest Service, in partnership with:
The Friends of the Utah Avalanche Center, Utah Division of State Parks and Recreation, Utah Division of Emergency Management, Salt Lake County, Salt Lake Unified Fire Authority and the friends of the La Sal Avalanche Center. See our Sponsors Page for a complete list. |
