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Forecast for the Uintas Area Mountains

Mark Staples
Issued by Mark Staples for
Friday, February 18, 2022
The very low-density new snow from Wednesday was easily transported by winds at upper elevations where you can find soft slabs of wind drifted snow that could be triggered today. For this reason the avalanche danger is MODERATE above treeline. Near and below treeline where winds didn't transport snow, the danger is LOW and human triggered avalanches are unlikely.
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Weather and Snow
NOWCAST-
Another night of cold temperatures with temperatures this morning ranging from 7 to 12 degrees F in most places. Winds on the high peaks are blowing from the NW at 13-26 mph with gusts up to 39 mph. Lower elevation locations have winds averaging 5-7 mph gusting to 12 mph.
FORECAST-
Today will have clear sunny skies with temperatures in the upper teens to low 20s F. Winds are the strongest this morning and will ease a lot by this afternoon.
FUTURECAST-
Temperatures will gradually warm as the weekend approaches with more sunny weather until another storm arrives early Monday morning. By Tuesday morning there could be a foot of very light snow.
Wednesday's storm delivered 5-9 inches of snow that favored the northern part of the range. There was only a few inches in the southern part near Strawberry Reservoir.
Trip reports and current state of the snowpack observations are found HERE.
Looking for real-time temps, snow, or wind?
Click HERE and then on the "western Uinta" tab for western Uinta specific, weather station network.
Recent Avalanches
No significant avalanche activity to report
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Avalanche Problem #1
Wind Drifted Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Wednesday's very light snow was easily transported by winds late Wednesday night from the N and NE. Similar winds continued yesterday from the NW and formed soft slabs of wind drifted snow mostly at the upper elevations that could still be triggered today. These wind slabs may be up to 2 feet deep and will be under ridgelines or on the sides of gullies. Look for smooth, rounded, and pillowy drifts of snow and avoid them.
One regular observer with a keen eye on Uinta conditions found these wind slabs that would crack yesterday which is a clear sign of instability.
Photo shows cracking in a freshly formed wind drift (M. Janulaitis).
Additional Information
Your observations are important, so please let me know what you're seeing... click HERE and contribute to this amazing community based program
General Announcements
The information in this forecast expires 24 hours after the day and time posted, but will be updated by 07:00 Friday, February 18th.
Before it gets too crazy, now is the time to book an avalanche awareness presentation for your group, club, or posse. You can reach me directly at 801-231-2170 or [email protected]
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.
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