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Forecast for the Skyline Area Mountains

Craig Gordon
Issued by Craig Gordon on
Saturday morning, March 9, 2013

A CONSIDERABLE danger exists on steep, upper elevation wind drifted terrain, mostly found on the southern half of the range where close to a foot of new snow has fallen, and human triggered avalanches are likely.

At mid elevations a MODERATE avalanche danger is found on steep slopes with recent deposits of wind drifted snow and human triggered avalanches are possible.

As the storm snow stacks up, expect the avalanche danger to rise, especially on the south half of the range where human triggered avalanches will become more likely.

Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
Learn how to read the forecast here
Special Announcements

Todays advisory is a collaborative effort between Trent Meisenheimer and Craig Gordon.

Weather and Snow

This past weeks gusty winds and spring like temperatures have taken their toll on the Manti-Skyline. Riding and turning conditions are grim on many aspects, with much of the snow surface a mixture of sun crusts and wind damage making the riding and turning challenging. There is however, soft settled powder in the most sheltered north facing slopes. Recent new snow will be welcome site for our worn out snow surface.

Snow totals are as follows... on the northern half of the Manti-Skyline 2"-4" of snow stacked up overnight. Meanwhile, the southern half of the range is getting pounded! 8"-12" of new snow fell in the past 24 hrs. with many locations receiving over an inch of water. Snow continues to stack up, vastly improving the riding and turning conditions. The weak snowpack is reeling from the heavy snow and might not feel our same stoke.

Your fundraising donations at work. In conjunction with BCA, we installed a beacon checker at the Miller Flat trailhead last weekend. Thanks to Ted and Steve for all the help and thanks to all of you for all the great support!

Recent Avalanches

It's been a quiet week on the Skyline with no new avalanche activity reported. However, just last week, slides were breaking to weak snow near the ground and the recent storm will keep the danger elevated.

We visited the site of last Friday's avalanche accident in 12 Mile Canyon and our investigation is posted here.

Also last week there was a close call in Ephraim Canyon, An experienced local sledder triggered this slide which broke to the ground and was found with just his hand sticking out of the snow. Click here for more details.

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Avalanche Problem #1
Persistent Weak Layer
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description

Unusual weather means unusual avalanches. The east and northeast winds from this complex southern storm are blowing in a rather unusual direction for the Manti-Skyline. Although the winds have been well behaved and are generally light at ridge tops, expect wind slabs and cornice development on the westerly aspects as the storm progresses. Look for and avoid fat, rounded pillows of snow on all aspects, especially if winds increase.

Avalanche Problem #2
New Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description

You will find persistent slabs on steep, rocky slopes, especially those where strong feeling snow overlies weak, "punchy" snow. Slopes with these characteristics are considered suspect and are guilty until proven otherwise. Once triggered, today's avalanches can break to the ground. The danger may be more pronounced on the south half of the range where storm totals are continuing to stack up.

Remember- persistent slabs are tricky and the best line of defense is to avoid them. If your riding in area's that have received 10"-12" inches of new snow, its best to stick to slopes generally less than 30 degrees in steepness with no bigger slopes above or adjacent to you. The meadows and low angle hills would be the best option.

Additional Information

Temperatures this morning are in the upper 20's and should reach into the low 30's as the day progresses. Winds remain in the light category from the northeast and should be well behaved. Snow continues for the southern half of the Skyline with an additional 2"-7" inches possible. A strong upper level low near the four corners this morning moves east of the area this afternoon and evening, putting a stop to the storm. High pressure builds on Sunday and remains in place, signaling a return to spring through most of the upcoming week. No major storms in sight for at least a week.

General Announcements

Remember your information can save lives. If you see anything we should know about, please participate in the creation of our own community avalanche advisory by submitting snow and avalanche conditions. You can call me directly at 801-231-2170, email [email protected], or email by clicking HERE

This is a great time of year to schedule a free avalanche awareness presentation for your group or club. You can contact me at 801-231-2170 or email [email protected]

Donate to your favorite non-profit –The Friends of the Utah Avalanche Center. The UAC depends on contributions from users like you to support our work.

The information in this advisory is from the US Forest Service which is solely responsible for its content. This advisory describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.

This advisory will be updated by 7:00 AM Saturday, March 16th.

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