Welcome to the new look of the avalanche advisory. This past summer we had a series of meetings and negotiated a unified look-and-feel of the avalanche advisories and web pages for other avalanche centers in this region including Jackson, Wyoming, Sun Valley and the Sierra Avalanche Center. Eventually all these sites should look very similar and the plan is for Colorado to join the look next winter. In another week or two we expect to have two viewing choices for the advisory page--this basic view and the "advanced" view most are familiar with from last season with colored danger ratings in the aspect-elevation diagram.
We are still in the process of transferring the pages and content from our old website to the new site, so be patient. We are also tweaking the look and design so you may notice some changes. When everything is finished, it should all be pretty cool.
In addition, we've expanded our Uinta weather station network adding two more sites near Currant Creek Peak. We're still working on some communication logistics, but expect the data to be flowing through cyberspace by weeks end. I'll provide links on the advisory page when we're up and running.
Wow... what a great start to the season. The big November storm pummeled the state like a crossfire hurricane, laying down over 2' of new snow along the upper elevation terrain throughout the range. And while it looks like winter is in full swing reality suggests the Uinta's are white from far, but far from white. Yup, it's still super thin and rocky. Riding conditions are best - and safest - on low angle north facing grassy slopes at mid and upper elevations. Previous to this storm, all southeast through south through westerly facing slopes were bare ground. Ted's been out and about and submitted this excellent observation
Currently, west and southwest winds are blowing 20-30 mph along the ridges and temperatures are in the low to mid 30's.
Both Mirror Lake Highway and Wolf Creek Pass remain open, but don't let the easy access to nearby terrain lull you into a false sense of security. Be prepared for your own self rescue. Wear and know how to use a beacon, shovel, and probe.
On Sunday, a couple of very experienced backcountry skiers unintentionally triggered a 1'-2' deep x 100' wide slab on a steep shady slope near Murdock Peak along Mirror Lake Highway. The avalanche broke on old October snow.
