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Forecast for the Uintas Area Mountains

Andrew Nassetta
Issued by Andrew Nassetta on
Sunday morning, March 30, 2025
Above treeline, today's avalanche danger is MODERATE and it is POSSIBLE for us to trigger small and pockety wind-drifts on leeward slopes with an easterly component. All other terrain offers LOW avalanche danger where, although UNLIKELY, you could trigger a slide into old snow.
Remember, reduced avalanche danger does not mean no danger. As we step into bigger terrain and think about tackling our spring objectives remember we need to shift our mindset and be prepared with the right equipment, partners and plan.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
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Special Announcements
The final report for the Hoyt Peak avalanche accident on March 7th has been published and is available, here.
Weather and Snow
Nowcast Get it while you can! We received 2-6" of snow yesterday with under .5" of SWE across the range and the Mirror Lake Corridor taking the blue ribbon. Right now, winds are tempered blow from the southwest around 10 MPH. Temperatures at 10k' and above are reading in the teens while trailheads at 7k' are closer to 20℉.
Forecast For today, expect broken to sunny skies with mild temperatures maxing out in the high 20's. Winds will be from the west and stay consistent, averaging10-20 MPH near the high peaks and ridges. Although it could feel much warmer if the sun breaks clear through, today could start with a battle between winter and spring.
Futurecast Weather returns tomorrow and a larger storm impacts the range Monday evening bringing heavier snow and water totals than this weekends pinch, hopefully delivering 10-15" of new snow and potentially 1" of SWE.
Travel & Riding Conditions Low elevations have taken a hard hit, and transportation to recreation is becoming more challenging. Many trailhead elevations are melted out and mountain pass roads are becoming visible again, something to keep in mind when planning your travel. Riding quality was on the lower end of the spectrum yesterday, but should improve today. Upper elevation polars will hold cold snow the longest today while the sunnies could go off quick and turn manky in no time. Im heading for high north with reduced slope angles where I wont be feeling the bottom under my skies or track on every turn.
SR35 showing some skin and riders working the sidewalk to get back to their rigs at the lot. Many trailheads look no different, and remember even a thin skim of snow could melt off by the tim you return at the end of the day -- We're thinking sled care wellbeing here.
Recent Avalanches
No significant avalanche activity has been observed in the past 24hrs and the last significant avalanche failing into old snow occurring over two weeks ago. Yesterday, Wes S reported small, point-release avalanches in upper-elevation, steep, rocky terrain. Check out all the action, info and intel for the Uinta range and beyond, here.
Wes was up in the high-country yesterday noting small point releases within the new snow. I'd keep an eye out for more of the same today, and pay attention for them to turn from dry to wet-loose's if the sun pops out in sustained fashion.
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Avalanche Problem #1
Wind Drifted Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
West southwest winds blew in the light to moderate range last night between 10 and 25 MPH, just enough to push the recent storm snow into some pockety wind drifts on slopes with an easterly component. They sure wont be massive, but could be up to 1' deep and big enough to push you around and take you for a ride. Resting on a variety of bed surfaces, today's drifts will be reactive to the additional weight of a rider and triggered easily with our skis or sled. I expect them to settle out quickly, but if the sun comes out and starts baking the snow and heating up, be flexible with your plan and avoid any suspect terrain. Remember, these slides are manageable by looking for fat, rounded pillows of snow that could look textured and sound hollow like a drum, and avoiding them all together.
Remember, you don't always need the tree-snapping, sled busting avalanche to ruin your day -- Even a small slide on a consequential slope can put you into a terrain trap or smash you up against trees or rocks.
Avalanche Problem #2
Persistent Weak Layer
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Our PWL's are acting dormant and we are not seeing avalanches or signs of instability, but as Craig says, the snowpack is always guilty until proven innocent. Buried between 2-4' deep, we are building confidence in these weak layers that are at the end of their lifespan but shallow snowpack areas in the alpine or that are less than 150cm deep and have avalanche repeatedly this season, are suspect. No shot were here to tell ya to run and hide under the covers, but we're here to shoot it to you straight and here are some considerations in dealing with this problem:
  • Steep, rocky slopes with a shallow snowpack are prime suspects.
  • This problem exists in a small and isolated, or pockety, portion of our terrain and is easily avoidable.
  • Big triggers can produce big avalanches -- Watch out for cornice failure or rapid change... anything that could help pry out one of these nasty slides.
  • If entering this suspect terrain be prepared with the right partners, plan, and think about the consequences of the slope you are riding if you were to get caught in a slide.
Additional Information
General Announcements
We are always looking for snow and avalanche observations or just general riding conditions. In the meantime reach out to us with questions, concerns, or if you see anything in your travels! Contact us directly through the info below:
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. This forecast was issued on Sunday, March 30th at 06:00 AM and expires 24 hours after it was issued.
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