UDOT PLANNED AVALANCHE CLOSURES!!

Forecast for the Uintas Area Mountains

Craig Gordon
Issued by Craig Gordon for
Monday, February 6, 2023
MODERATE avalanche danger is found around the dial on upper elevation, leeward slopes in the wind zone, and in mid elevation terrain facing the north half of the compass. Human triggered avalanches are possible, especially on steep slopes with recent deposits of wind drifted snow. Lose some elevation, you lose the wind, and you lose the problem. Generally LOW avalanche danger is found on lower elevation terrain where human triggered avalanches are UNLIKELY.

Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
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Weather and Snow
Nowcast- With mostly cloudy skies overhead, a few light snow showers linger as our storm winds down. Yeah it was a bit of a dud for us, though the North Slope was able to squeak out 8" of low density snow with the south half of the range registering in the 4" range. In either case, it was a much needed refresh and riding conditions remain all-time. Cold air filtering into the area ushered in crisp temperatures which start the work day in the single digits and teens as west-northwest winds blow in the mid 20's along the high ridges.
Forecast- Light snow showers continue through mid morning with a clearing trend slated as the day progresses. It'll feel refreshingly winter-like with high temperatures not varying much from where we're at this morning and overnight lows dipping into the single digits. Northerly winds should stay rather well-behaved, blowing in the 20's near the high peaks.
Futurecast- A beautiful day is on tap for Tuesday with mostly sunny skies, light winds, and temperatures climbing into the 20's. Minor brush-by's Wednesday and Thursday bring cooler temperatures and a flurry or two.

Our good friends and partners in all things weather, the SLC National Weather Service, map out our Monday morning mashup.
Huge thanks for all the great obs streaming in from the eastern front. Detailed trip reports and recent obs are found HERE.
Recent Avalanches
In late breaking news... a natural slide on the east face of Mount Watson was reported to us yesterday. Fracturing 16" deep x 300' wide and most likely failing on a thin crust/facet combo, I suspect it occurred on Feb. 1st as a result of strong northwest winds and natural cornice fall. More deets are found HERE.
But wait... there's more! If ya wanna geek out, click HERE to track this years slide activity throughout the range.
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Avalanche Problem #1
Wind Drifted Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Windy Peak (10,662') clearly illustrates recent wind trends and the evolution of storm
Winds were all over the map prior to, during, and after our last little shot of snow. As such, I suspect shallow drifts formed on steep leeward slopes and cross-loaded terrain features like chutes and gullies. No matter how you cut it, fresh drifts will react to our additional weight and may break deeper and wider than you might expect. Today you'll want to look for and avoid fat, rounded pillows of snow, especially if they sound hollow like a drum. This avalanche dragon is easy to navigate past by avoidance... simply lose a little elevation, you lose the wind, and you lose the problem.

Additional Information
Weather stations-
And... rime events have severely crippled the Uinta weather station network. I'm working to get it back up and running, but a few stations are found HERE (click weather stations, and then on the Western Uinta tab)
Observations-
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
Issued at 03:21 on Monday February 6th, this forecast expires 24 hours after the date and time posted, but will be updated by 07:00 Tuesday February 7th 2023.
Before it gets too crazy, now is the time to book an avalanche awareness presentation for your group, club, or posse. You can reach Craig 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.