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Forecast for the Skyline Area Mountains

Brett Kobernik
Issued by Brett Kobernik for
Thursday, March 16, 2023
The overall avalanche danger is MODERATE on the Skyline today.
Human triggered avalanches are possible but not all that likely.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
Learn how to read the forecast here
Special Announcements
HUNTINGTON CANYON REMAINS CLOSED AS UDOT ROAD CREWS CONTINUE TO DIG AVALANCHE DEBRIS THAT IS BLOCKING THE ROAD. IT IS CLOSED FROM MILLER FLAT DOWN TO CRANDALL CANYON.
Weather and Snow
Current Conditions: Wednesday's storm brought about 8 inches of new snow to the Skyline. This was very dense snow again containing around an inch of water. Definitely not our usual dry powder although riding conditions are quite good. The wind was not all that strong with the storm and is generally light from the west now. Temperatures were hovering around freezing during the storm and have plummeted into the mid teens overnight.

Mountain Weather: We have a break from the storms for a few days. Today we'll have mostly clear skies with high temperatures in the low to mid 20s and light west northwest wind. There might be some scattered low level clouds. The next couple of days look similar with gradually warming temperatures. Clouds move back in on Sunday ahead of some more chances for snow.
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Avalanche Problem #1
Normal Caution
Type
Location
Likelihood
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Description
I believe we should see mostly stable avalanche conditions today but don't go crazy right out of the gate. Use your head before getting into steep terrain:
  • Look for any recent avalanches and cornice falls. If there are none, that's good. If you see recent activity, that's a red flag.
  • Watch for any cracking within the new snow. Use small but steep test slopes to try and get the new snow to crack. If it won't crack, that's good. If it does crack, that's a red flag.
  • Avoid steep slopes with any signs of obvious wind deposited snow. The most dangerous areas will be right along and below ridges on the more north through southeast facing slopes. Don't screw around on or below cornices.
  • Keep an eye out for wet snow as the day goes on. If you start seeing rollerballs or pinwheels, that's a red flag and you should avoid being on or below steep slopes.
General Announcements
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.