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Forecast for the Uintas Area Mountains

Craig Gordon
Issued by Craig Gordon for
Sunday, March 17, 2024
Apologies for our tardiness... we're working through a wardrobe malfunction
MODERATE avalanche danger exists at and above treeline, especially in the wind zone, where human triggered avalanches are POSSIBLE on steep, wind drifted slopes. Note to self... unusual easterly winds reshape the landscape, forming atypical drifting on slopes with a westerly component to their aspect.
More the exception than the rule, a slide breaking to old snow isn't entirely out of the question, particularly in steep, rocky, wind drifted terrain facing the north half of the compass.
Lose some elevation and head to wind sheltered terrain where you'll find generally LOW avalanche danger.

Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
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Weather and Snow
Nowcast- At o'late thirty, skies are clearing as temp probes rub the sleep from their eyes and realize... temperatures are in the teens and low 20's. Winds ramped up into the 40's from the east and northeast, but mellowed in the last hour and currently register 10-20 mph. Riding and turning conditions are a mixed bag. Our big, open terrain took a tough hit with recent winds, and strong sun added a heat crust to the sunnies. But don't get discouraged by all the blow and little snow... sheltered terrain offers soft, settled powder.
Forecast- A few clouds drift through the region, but in general, look for mostly sunny skies, warming temperatures, and somewhat pesky ridgetop winds continuing throughout the day. High temperatures climb into the 40's, whilst winds, blowing from the east and southeast take a break from their recent hectic pace and average in the 15-25 mph range near the peaks.
Futurecast- Expect mostly sunny skies into the upcoming week with temperatures climbing a few degrees each day. Potential storminess develops to wrap up the workweek.

Ted found soft, settled powder in wind sheltered terrain.
Recent Avalanches
From yesterday near Strawberry... deets here-

For all Uinta observations and recent avalanche activity click HERE.
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Avalanche Problem #1
Wind Drifted Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Mark traveled around the Duchesne Ridge Friday and reports unusual drifting patterns.
We know winds were invented in the western Uintas and rounding out the workweek, the range took pride in their patent. Winds nuked into the 50's and 60's along the high ridges from an unusual, east and northeast orientation... yeah, that's odd for us. As such, look for hard and mostly stubborn drifts in uncommon locations, especially on slopes with a westerly component to its aspect. While I suspect most drifting occurred on the leeward side of mid and upper elevation ridges, be on the lookout cross-loading in chutes and gullies and avoid any fat, rounded piece of snow, especially if it sounds hollow like a drum. Breaking at or below our skis, board, or sled today's main avalanche problem is easily managed with terrain choices. Lose the wind... you lose the problem.
Avalanche Problem #2
Persistent Weak Layer
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Region-wide, our snowpack is deep, it's strong, and in general... it's bomb dot com, suggesting straight-forward avy hazard. And while not impossible, all the right elements for a catastrophic avalanche need to align perfectly. Think... steep, rocky, wind loaded terrain in the windzone, especially slopes that have avalanched multiple times this year. With miles and miles of terrain to ride safely, not only would you really have to go out of your way to trigger an avalanche that unpredictably breaks into weak layers, now buried deep in the snowpack, you'd really have to get unluckly Rather than try to out-guess the snowpack, just keep it simple and avoid places where you think there's a good chance of hitting rocks which in turn are likely places to trigger a deep, dangerous avalanche.
Additional Information
The Uinta weather station network was upgraded this summer and all that real-time info is found HERE. Simply click on "western Uinta" tab and then "weather stations" tab.

We are always looking for snow and avalanche observations or just general riding conditions. So... if you see something, say something. You can reach me directly at [email protected] or 801-231-2170.
Also, if you're looking for more avy education opportunities for yourself, your crew, or your club please don't hesitate to reach out to me and we'll find a presentation, class, or clinic for ya!
General Announcements
Issued at o'late thirty on Saturday, March 17th this forecast will be updated by 0700 Monday, March 18th, 2024.
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.

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