SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT |
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It is with great sadness that I have to report an avalanche fatality which occurred in the western Uinta’s yesterday afternoon. Initial reports indicate the slide happened in the Superbowl on a steep east facing slope. The avalanche was 3’-5’ deep and approx. 600’wide. Triggered mid slope, this large slide broke well above the rider, propagating up to the ridge. Unfortunately, the riders left their rescue gear in the rig because they had no intention of getting onto steep slopes. Our prayers and condolences go out to the friends and family of 54-year-old Dennis K. Barnes of Evanston, Wyoming. |
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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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In steep, upper elevation terrain at and above treeline the avalanche danger is at Level 3 (CONSIDERABLE) meaning dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Human triggered avalanches are likely on wind drifted slopes steeper than about 35 degrees, especially those facing the north half of the compass. Avalanches triggered today have the potential to be deep and dangerous.
A Level 2 (MODERATE) danger exists on all steep mid elevation, wind drifted slopes and human triggered avalanches are possible.
In low elevation terrain that had no snow prior to the big storm cycle, the avalanche danger is generally Level 1 (LOW). |
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CURRENT CONDITIONS |
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High clouds began moving in overnight and temperatures are mild, in the low to mid 20’s. Southerly winds increased around midnight, blowing 15-30 mph at most locations with gusts in the 40’s along the high ridges. |
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RECENT ACTIVITY |
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I will be traveling to the scene of yesterday’s avalanche accident and will have more details of this slide when I return late today. Click here for a brief accident summary. No other avalanche activity was reported. |
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THREAT #1 |
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PROBABILITY |
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Over the next
24 hours.
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With winds already on the rise this morning, freshly formed drifts on the leeward side of upper elevation ridges are going to be today’s most recognizable avalanche concern. Breaking at or just below your sled, skis or board these are manageable avalanche conditions and are easy to detect… they just look like rounded pillows of snow. Winds are forecast to increase throughout the day and drifting may become more widespread. By day’s end these wind slabs could take you for an unexpected ride and may pack more of a punch than you might anticipate. As is always the case- you’ll want to look for and avoid any slope with recent deposits of wind drifted snow. |
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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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Not much has changed since yesterday. Unmanageably large avalanches can still be triggered especially in steep, rocky, upper elevation terrain, facing the north half of the compass on slopes that had a pre-existing snowpack prior to last week’s big storm. The avalanche conditions remain tricky because a strong slab now rests above a mid-pack weakness or two. Under our sled, skis or board the snow we’re riding in will feel solid and good to go… and that’s the problem. We need to think not only of the snow we’re riding in, but also the snow we’re riding on. Remember- we don’t trigger deep dangerous avalanches where the snow is thick and strong, we trigger them by finding a weak spot in the snowpack, like a shallow area around rock outcrops, bushes poking through the snow or a mid-slope breakover. This has been a great storm cycle for the western Uinta's and the riding is phenomenal. However, we need to exercise some patience, wait for the snowpack to heal, and get after the big terrain when the time is right. |
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MOUNTAIN WEATHER |
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Clouds will be increasing throughout the day and snow should start around dinner time. South and southwest winds will blow 25-35 mph with gusts in the mid 50’s along the high ridges and peaks. High temperatures reach into the low to mid 30’s at 8,000’ and upper 20’s at 10,000’. A cold front swings through the region tonight and overnight lows dip into the low teens. A good shot of snow develops overnight, lingering into Monday. Storm totals should be near a foot. High pressure builds midweek and another storm is slated for next weekend. |
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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 Sunday November 28th.
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.
Many thanks to all the great folks at Tri-City Performance and Polaris for their extremely generous donation to the Utah Avalanche Center. You guys… and gals rock! Click here to see Craig’s new ride.
The western Uinta advisory program is going full tilt and forecasts will be issued by 7:00 AM on Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and all holidays. |
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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. |
