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Forecast for the Skyline Area Mountains

Brett Kobernik
Issued by Brett Kobernik for
Friday, December 22, 2017

Avalanche conditions are generally safe right now EXCEPT for the highest due north facing slopes where there is a MODERATE avalanche danger. Human triggered slab avalanches are possible on some of these slopes. If you avoid steep north facing slopes that are above 9800', the avalanche danger is generally LOW.

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Weather and Snow

The storm that just moved through added 3 to 6" in the Fairview Canyon/Skyline Summit area. There was about 10" or a bit more in the central Skyline around Ephraim Canyon. The wind didn't blow real hard during or after the storm although there was some evidence of snow transport along SR-31.

Link to backcountry observation from Ephraim Canyon on Dec 17

Link to backcountry observation with technical details about the loose sugary faceted snow from Dec 10

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Avalanche Problem #1
Persistent Weak Layer
Type
Location
Likelihood
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Description

The only real avalanche concern for today would be in the highest steep north facing slopes. Old snow from earlier this season has been sitting around on these slopes and has become very weak. The old weak snow is spotty in distribution, some slopes have enough to be a problem, some don't. The most likely spots to find trouble would be on steep north facing slopes above about 9800' in elevation from about Staker Canyon south through at least Ephraim Canyon.

In general, even with the new snow, travel is still difficult and very limited. However, if you are getting out to check out the new snow, approach those high north slopes with caution.

Additional Information

General Announcements

We will publish full detailed advisories Saturday and Sunday mornings by 7am. We will also be publishing basic avalanche danger ratings & info during the week.

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