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Forecast for the Uintas Area Mountains

Craig Gordon
Issued by Craig Gordon for
Monday, April 15, 2024
It's Spring! (yup... the fight between summer and winter :) which generally offers a trifecta of avalanche problems:
1. Wet Snow: Wet loose avalanches, wet slab avalanches, and lastly glide avalanches.
2. New Snow: New storm snow instability as soft, storm slab avalanches and dry, loose avalanches.
3. Wind Drifted Snow: Wind slabs - soft or hard wind drifts.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
Learn how to read the forecast here
Special Announcements
And then there were none... days that is-
I've wrapped up forecasting for the winter, and soon, the only thing separating my skin from warm, blue, Sea of Cortez water will be an evenly distributed layer of Hawaiian Tropic Tanning Oil. However, I couldn't leave without thanking a truly awesome cast of characters. Partnerships are huge to the western Uinta advisory program and both the Heber-Kamas and Evanston Ranger Districts are instrumental in supplying field partners and in-kind support.
First and foremost is the incredible information we get from Ted Scroggin. He came out of retirement to get on the snow this winter and submit snow and weather observations that help the accuracy of this program which ultimately saves lives. Ted knows the Uinta's like no other and we are grateful to have such a high caliber forecaster on our team... he is truly the glue that holds this program together.
In addition, many thanks to the Park City Powder Cats (PCPC), not only for all the snow and avalanche information and for the great professional dialog during times of heightened avalanche danger (much respect... Dave, Bo, Andy, Trevor, and Jason), but also for your very generous donations to the UAC. The Powdercats donated two days of cat skiing with proceeds going to the avalanche center. Wow... a rockin' PCPC crew and a first class operation for sure!
And finally, big thanks to the team from Inspired Summit Adventures and especially to avy forecaster Joey Manship. Joey is a first rate snow craftsman! His conversations and deep dives make me a better forecaster, helping me better understand the art of snow and this amazing white paint world we work in.
Regular Uinta avalanche forecasts have ended. But don't let your heart be troubled, we will continue posting observations and avalanches, so please keep those letters and cards coming, and please submit your observations as you get out and about in the mountains.
Recent Avalanches
Archived avalanche activity and trip reports are listed HERE.
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Avalanche Problem #1
Normal Caution
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
In general you can count on several types of avalanche conditions in the spring-
Whenever we get a storm the avalanche danger will rise, as the new snow might not bond well to the existing hard, slick crust it falls on. As always, recent avalanche activity as well as cracking and collapsing of the snowpack are dead giveaways the snow is unstable. Even if these clues don’t present themselves, be sure to do some tests on smaller slopes that are similar in aspect, elevation and slope angle to what you want to ride on. Choose test slopes that have minimal consequences, especially after a significant snowfall. If there's wind associated with the storm or if there's snow available to blow round before it gets cooked into place, expect to find wind drifts, reactive to our additional weight, on leeward slopes.
Wet slides and sluffs are pretty easy to manage. As the day wares on and the snow heats up, like clockwork, wet avalanches become more widespread on steep, sunny slopes. If you're feeling like an ant under a magnifying glass... so is the snow. During the heat of the day, simply get off of and out from under steep, sun-baked slopes and steer clear of terrain traps like gullies and road cuts, where even a small slide can pile up cement-like debris very deeply.
Additional Information
The Uinta weather station network was upgraded this summer and all that real-time info is found HERE. Simply click on "western Uinta" tab and then "weather stations" tab.
We are always looking for snow and avalanche observations or just general riding conditions. So... if you see something, say something. You can reach me directly at [email protected] or 801-231-2170.
Also, if you're looking for more avy education opportunities for yourself, your crew, or your club please don't hesitate to reach out to me and we'll find a presentation, class, or clinic for ya!
General Announcements
Issued on Monday, April 15th this forecast will be updated when the snow begins flying again!
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.
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