Nowcast - After topping out at nearly 50°F yesterday in the heat of it, we have cooled back off and at 0500 trailhead temps at 7,500' are hovering around 25°F. Upper elevations report the same, however are chilled by winds blowing from the southwest, moderately, between 20-30 MPH.
Forecast - Today's ambient temperatures will be nearly the same as yesterday, with a hight near 35°F. The difference today? Westerly winds are going to ramp up ahead of a incoming cold front, blowing between 30 and 40 MPH along the high ridges by the days end.
Futurecast - We cool down into tomorrow, then ramp right back up later this week ten degrees above normal averages. Any chances of a quick refresh have dwindled, and things stay sunny through most of the working week with continued wind and mild temperatures.
Travel Conditions - Across the Uinta's snow depths range from no coverage at most of our trailheads to some of the best riding of the season in upper elevation terrain. The North Slope won last weeks storm and stacked up the most snow, with a settled 10-15", and closer to 5-10" down on the South Slope. Solar aspects and windward terrain are cooked and wind scoured leaving behind a mixed back of sastrugi, crusts, wind-board and wind-pack in exposed areas. But get high, orient yourself to the north, and you will be met with stellar riding conditions no matter where your off to today.
Looking north, the hills are a bit whiter in the distance near the Mirror Lake Corridor, compared to that in the foreground. The lack of snow on the South Slope is beginning to show the past few days as the spring weather is putting a beatdown on mid and lower elevations -- Checkout more from out travels, here.
A cool down can't save us now! Down south near Strawberry access is becoming challenging and I think we are getting close to the end of it, for tracked vehicles that is, as snow-packed roads turn to creek beds and the water makes its way to the rivers.
Near Bald Mountain, multiple riders tracked up this northerly facing slope at 11,000' before triggering this meaty persistent slab under a rock band feature. It was a close call at the end of the day with one buried sled, but everyone got home safely where they needed to be.
This avalanche broked up to 3' deep on average and nearly 8' deep in a wind-drifted pocket, breaking out nearly 250' wide and stacking up a fair debris pile. Thanks to Jake and his crew for sharing their experience and the write-up, check it out, here. The "Living Room" near Bald Mountain and Reids peak is a popular zone and is north facing near 11,000' .
A testament to the strong winds coming from all directions over the past week that have carved and scoured their way around everything they can whittle out.
