Support the UAC website backend platform to ensure the ongoing security of the website and the data stored on the site rebuild by
donating to our spring campaign. Currently, under overcast skies light snow is falling. We have had 3"-6" new snow with .3"-.65" water overnight, which brings the most recent storm totals to 6"-15" of snow and .6"-1.20" water. Trail-head temperatures are in the mid-high 20's °F and the highest peaks are in the low 20's °F. Winds at the 9,000' ridge-lines are blowing from the southwest in the single digits gusting to the mid 20's MPH and at the 11,000 ridge-line winds are blowing from the south-southwest in the mid teen's gusting to the 40's MPH.
Today, skies will be overcast, temperatures should be 32-34°F, with winds blowing from the south-southwest 25 gusting to 35 MPH at the lower ridge-lines and 30 gusting to 40 MPH at the highest ridge-lines. Look for 3"-7" of snow with .30"-.5" of water and more snow in areas favored by southwest flow. The freezing level will start around 7,000' and drop throughout the day. There is a 15% chance of lightning and any strong frontal passages could bring periods of increased precipitation.
Our partners at the National Weather Service have issued a
Winter Weather Advisory from now until midnight on Sunday March 31st.
Yesterday, backcountry travelers reported long running soft slab avalanches and ski resort operations reported sensitive wind-drifts near ridgetops. UAC Forecaster Greg found the common theme was that the
new snow needed a bit of wind to give it the body to pack a bigger punch. There was a close call in
1,000 Turns Gully where one backcountry traveler was caught, carried, and lost gear; and another skier triggered slide with a great video in
Silver Fork. People also reported wet snow below 9,000' with natural wet loose slides reported in mid-Little Cottonwood Canyon in the
Y, Y-Not, and Triangle.
Photo of sensitive wind slab on north facing Patsy (G. Gagne).
Check out all avalanches and observations
HERE.
