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 MODERATE on steep wind drifted slopes at both mid and upper elevations and human triggered avalanches are possible. Be aware that within this elevation band pockets of CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger exist, especially on slopes that had a pre-existing snowpack prior to the mid December storm. Dangerous avalanches can still be triggered on upper elevation slopes that face northwest, north, northeast and east. Avalanches triggered in this type of terrain will be large and unmanageable, pulling out much wider and deeper than you might expect.
A LOW avalanche danger exists on most sun-exposed slopes and low elevation terrain. |
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CURRENT CONDITIONS |
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Yesterday’s storm system is moving east and in its wake light snow is still falling. Most of the region got a new coat of white paint, with the southern half of the range fairing pretty well. The terrain around Daniels and Strawberry received close to 6” of new snow, 3” at Current Creek, 2” around Trial Lake and just an inch or so at the trailheads. Northerly winds are blowing 10-20 mph along the ridges, gusting into the 30’s near the high peaks and temperatures are right around 20 degrees.
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RECENT ACTIVITY |
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We observed a snowmobile triggered avalanche Monday in the Super Bowl which probably occurred sometime Sunday. The slide was 3’ deep, 100’ wide, running 400’ vertically on weak snow near the ground. Definitely big enough to ruin your day!
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THREAT #1 |
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PROBABILITY |
SIZE |
TREND |
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Over the next
24 hours.
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Yesterday’s new storm snow wasn’t much of an insult to our already struggling snowpack and the surface snow is very manageable. Today you’ll find the new snow sluffing easily on steep slopes, particularly in wind sheltered terrain. If you’re getting into the wind zone or terrain above treeline, avalanche conditions are twofold. First, winds have been active overnight, developing slabs along the leeward side of upper elevation terrain and they’ll be sensitive to the weight of a rider. You’ll want to avoid any fat looking, rounded pillow of snow. Avalanches triggered in the new wind drifts may break into weaker snow as they descend the slope, triggering a much bigger slide than you bargained for. In addition, winds are forecasted to increase throughout the day and slabs may become more widespread and deeper as the day wares on.
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THREAT #2 |
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PROBABILITY |
SIZE |
TREND |
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Over the next
24 hours.
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The second avalanche condition we’re faced with is less manageable and centers on the fragile weak layers of snow near the ground, especially in terrain that didn’t slide during the last big storm cycle. Snowpit stability tests indicate the snowpack is slowly healing, but remains quite reactive, especially in upper elevation terrain that had pre-exiting snow prior to the big mid December storm. We continue to see failures on the weak sugary snow near the ground and the fact that people are still triggering avalanches on this layer is a huge red flag. Avalanche conditions remain deceptively tricky and you can ride plenty of slopes without incident, particularly if they’ve already avalanched this season. However, if you’re getting into steep, upper elevation terrain and you don’t know the history of the slope it’s a crap shoot. If your travels take you into this type of terrain you’ll need to carefully evaluate the snowpack, your terrain choices and above all, think about the consequences of triggering a slide.
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MOUNTAIN WEATHER |
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The storm system which has been impacting the region will move east today as high pressure briefly builds into the region. Today we can expect partly cloudy skies and a passing flurry or two. Northerly winds are going to be a nuisance, gusting into the 40’s and 50’s along the high ridges by days end. High temperatures today don’t stray much from where we’re at this morning. A secondary system brushes by the area tonight bringing additional cold air and overnight lows dip into the low single digits. There are no big storms in sight and partly cloudy skies along with cold temperatures are on tap for the rest of the week.
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GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS |
The information in this advisory expires 24 hours after the date and time posted. I will update this forecast by 7:00 AM Friday December 25th.
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. |
