The last gasp of storminess moved overhead last night, laying down an inch or two of white, ultra light, cold smoke. Currently, skies are cloudy, winds are light and variable, blowing 10-15 mph along the high peaks, and temperatures are in the single digits. Riding and turning conditions improve with each little blast of snow. Average snow depths across the range are inching towards the 4' mark.
We are working to get the entire Uinta weather network back online. In the meantime, above is 24 hour data from Trail Lake (9945').
The image above clearly illustrates a savvy group that got their turns in while avoiding the avy hazard. Looks pretty straight-forward, but here's the problem... as snow stacks up and terrain terrain turns white, even slopes we're familiar with can appear uniform and small nuances in aspect can mean the difference between riding safely and triggering an avalanche. So here's your exit strategy.... just like the crew above, simply swing around to south facing slopes or lower elevation terrain which had no old snow prior to the big storm and you can ride without the worry of avalanches breaking to weak snow near the ground.
Plowing is done on Mirror Lake Highway, but Wolf Creek Pass is still open. However, just 'cause you can see your rig parked near Wolf Creek, doesn't mean the terrain you're choosing to ride is good to go.
Remember- this is the time of year where most of us get tricked thinking there isn't enough snow to avalanche. Unfortunately, this is also the type of setup when most close calls and accidents occur. If you are getting out and about, be prepared for your own self rescue. Wear and know how to use an avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe.
A happy cat realizes winter is finally here as the Mirror Lake Highway from the Evanston side of the range is closed.
No new avalanche activity to report, but lots of collapsing still reported throughout the range.
