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Forecast for the Uintas Area Mountains

Craig Gordon
Issued by Craig Gordon on
Saturday morning, April 11, 2020
Today's avalanche hazard is pretty straightforward and easily managed with terrain choices-
While the avalanche danger is generally LOW across the range, there are isolated places where you could trigger an old wind drift, especially in steep, rocky terrain above treeline in the wind zone. And here's something to consider... if you're getting into steep, technical terrain, even a small slide can knock you off your ride, slam you into a tree, and throw a curve ball at your day.
Also, the snowpack is locked in place and the danger of wet avalanches should remain in the LOW category. However, if the snow you're riding on becomes damp or unsupportable, simply switch to a cooler aspect.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
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Weather and Snow
Currently-
Under partly cloudy skies, temperatures hover in the low 20's, and west-northwest winds blow 10-20 mph along the high peaks. Riding and turning conditions are aspect and elevation dependent. Upper elevation, wind sheltered, north facing slopes still harbor a few elusive ribbons of cold, chalky snow. However, more reliable and consistently supportable corn surfaces exist on mid elevation terrain facing the south half of the compass. Of course, timing is everything and the harvest reliably begins on east facing slopes right around 09:00.
Uinta weather network info is found here. Simply click on the Western Uinta tab.
For today-
After a sunny start to the day with highs climbing into 40's, clouds thicken and west-northwest winds become gusty by dinnertime as a strong, but mostly dry, cold front slams into the region. Behind the cold front, temperatures quickly crash by about 15 degrees and we should see a light dusting of snow.
Futurecast-
Sunday starts off cloudy and cold, but skies clear throughout the day, though high temperatures are slow to rebound out of the teens and low 20's.
Recent Avalanches
Other than a few shallow, damp sluffs on sustained steep slopes, I've found the snowpack rather well-behaved and straight-forward. However, all it takes is one rowdy snowball in the mosh pit to get things going.
To view additional trip reports and recent avalanche activity, simply click here.
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Avalanche Problem #1
Normal Caution
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Cornices are quite large these days and may break back further than you expect. You definitely want to give these large boxcar pieces of snow a wide berth.
A few considerations....
Dry snow avalanches-
Isolated to steep, leeward terrain in the wind zone, there might be a lingering wind drift or two that'll react to our additional weight. Not particularly widespread, but remember... if you're tagging steep, technical terrain, be aware that even a small slide could knock you off your feet and boss you around. So, the ticket to riding safely today is simply look for and avoid any fat, rounded piece of snow, especially if it sounds hollow like a drum
Wet snow avalanches-
Strong sunshine and warm temperatures, quickly loosen the surface snow on all aspects and all elevations. The good news is... wet avalanche issues are easy to avoid. As the day heats up and the snow you're riding becomes damp, manky, or unsupportable, simply switch to a cooler aspect or call it a day and move on to other activities. In addition, avoid terrain traps like steep road cuts or gullies where wet cement-like snow can stack up very deeply.
Additional Information
Information on outdoor recreation - The State of Utah created this webpage with information about recreating on both state and federal public lands during the current health crisis.
Skiing and riding at closed ski resorts - Some resorts allow access now, and some do not. Please check HERE for the latest info on ski area access.
New to the backcountry (including riding at closed resorts) - Watch the award-winning, 15 minute Know Before You Go video, or take the 5-part, free online-learning series.
General Announcements
The information in this forecast expires in 24 hours, but will be updated by 7:00 AM Sunday Apr. 12th.
This forecast is updated daily by 7:00 AM.
In the mean-time, if you see or trigger an avalanche or just wanna let me know what you're seeing you can reach me directly at 801-231-2170
The information in this forecast is from the US Forest Service which is solely responsible for its content.
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