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Forecast for the Uintas Area Mountains

Craig Gordon
Issued by Craig Gordon for
Wednesday, April 10, 2019
HEADS UP.... avalanche danger changed overnight and we're dealing with two very different, elevation dependent avalanche problems today-
Dry snow avalanches-
In upper elevation terrain, especially in the wind zone at and above treeline, you'll find CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger. Human triggered avalanches are LIKELY in steep, leeward terrain on all quadrants of the compass.
Wet snow avalanches-
A MODERATE avalanche danger for wet slides and sluffs exists at mid and lower elevations. Human triggered wet avalanches are POSSIBLE on all steep snow covered slopes.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
Learn how to read the forecast here
Special Announcements
Regularly scheduled daily western Uinta avalanche forecasts will be issued through Sunday April 14th.
Weather and Snow
April showers means... spring powder! Last nights storm set its sights on the North Slope, delivering about a foot snow which quickly stacked up in short order. About half that amount fell on the south half of the range. Temperatures rapidly dropped with the arrival of last nights cold front and currently register in the teens and low 20's. In addition, as cold air filtered into the region, winds shifted to the north and northeast, rapidly diminished and currently blow 10-20 mph even along the high peaks. Riding and turning conditions drastically improved with our latest coat of thick, white paint, but you'll want to gain some elevation in order to score dry snow.
No updated mesowest data... note the time stamp on hourly snow and water totals from Chalk Creek (9,169')
A different network Lofty Lake Peak (11,186') offers realtime info.
To view more regional weather stations click here.
A room with a view. The Camp Steiner environs are deep, phat, and white.... buried by this winters big snow and water.
Recent Avalanches
No significant avalanche activity to report from yesterday.
Recent trip reports and avy activity found HERE.
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Avalanche Problem #1
Wind Drifted Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Another band of snow is headed our way and winds are forecast to increase this morning and that combo will create additional layers of wind drifted snow. While limited to upper elevation leeward slopes, today's fresh drifts might break a little deeper and wider than you might expect and could easily catch you off guard. The good news is... today's drifts are easily avoidable by simply losing a little elevation and steering yourself towards wind sheltered terrain, where you'll find soft creamy snow and a more predictable avalanche dragon.
And remember-
It's triple overhead in some places.... recent winds coupled with fresh snow will add yet another layer to our already ginormous, ridgeline cornice formations. Breaking further back than you might expect, you'll definitely wanna give these large, unpredictable pieces of snow the respect they deserve and not ruin someones day below by inadvertently knocking a boxcar size piece of snow down on them.
Avalanche Problem #2
Wet Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Before temperatures began cooling off, low elevation snow quickly stacked up overnight, insulating yesterday's warm snow surface. This springtime avalanche problem will heal as temperatures cool, but it's gonna take a minute or two. In the mean-time you'll need to be on your toes in mid and lower elevation terrain. Be aware that once triggered, even a small slide can fan out, entraining more snow as it slowly descends a steep slope, eventually conspiring against us to pile up cement-like, bone snapping avalanche debris (like in the image above). Putting it all together, you'll want to think about your travel plans and remember to avoid terrain traps like gullies and road cuts where avalanche debris can stack up very deeply.
Additional Information
Snow showers fill back in this morning and we can expect an additional 2"-4" stacking up before the storm starts winding down. West and northwest winds ramp up as well and should blow in the 30's and 40's along the high ridges. Temperatures climb into the mid and upper 20's with overnight lows dipping into the teens.
General Announcements
The information in this advisory expires 24 hours after the date and time posted, but will be updated by 7:00 AM Thursday April 11th, 2019.
If you're getting out and about, please let me know what you're seeing especially if you see or trigger and avalanche. I can be reached at [email protected] or 801-231-2170
It's also a good time to set up one of our very popular avalanche awareness classes. Reach out to me and I'll make it happen.
This information does not apply to developed ski areas or highways where avalanche control is normally done. This advisory is from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This advisory describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.
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