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Forecast for the Skyline Area Mountains

Craig Gordon
Issued by Craig Gordon for
Thursday, January 31, 2013

At and above treeline the avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE today and human triggered slides are likely on steep wind drifted slopes, especially those with an easterly component to their aspect. Within this terrain, especially the closer you travel towards I-70 on the southern half of the range, pockets of HIGH avalanche danger exist and dangerous human triggered slides are very likely.

A MODERATE avalanche danger is found on upper elevation south facing terrain and human triggered avalanches are possible on steep, wind drifted slopes.

LOW avalanche danger is found in wind sheltered terrain where there are no steep slopes above or adjacent to where you're riding .

Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
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Special Avalanche Bulletin

Strong winds will continue overloading our preexisting snowpack, leading to deceptively tricky avalanche conditions. Deep, dangerous human triggered avalanches are likely, especially on steep wind drifted slopes.

Weather and Snow

Storm totals are hit and miss along the Skyline. While most areas received 6"-8" of new snow since Sunday afternoon, the south half of the range, closer to I-70, got pounded with close to 18" of snow. West and northwest winds have been busy at work, blowing in the 30's and 40's along the ridges and temperatures are in the mid teens. Outstanding riding and turning conditions will be found today, especially in mid elevation wind sheltered terrain.

Steve was out and about and posted this great observation.

Recent Avalanches

No new avalanches to report, but slopes are collapsing under the additional weight of backcountry riders.

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Avalanche Problem #1
New Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description

Strong winds have been forming dense cohesive slabs on upper elevation leeward slopes, especially those facing the north half of the compass. Problem is... the snow will feel solid under our skis, board, or sled allowing us to get well out onto the slope before it fails. Unfortunately, today's avalanches can break while we're mid slope and they'll be packing a punch. It doesn't mean you can't ride today. It does mean that you should think about toning slope angles and objectives down a notch and think about the consequences of triggering a slide.

Avalanche Problem #2
Persistent Weak Layer
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description

Fresh wind slabs are the most obvious avalanche problem today and they're the most manageable, but don't get tricked into thinking this is the only avalanche dragon out there. An easily triggered soft slab can quickly get out of hand, especially if it breaks into weaker layers of the snowpack as it crashes down on the slope below.

Avalanche Problem #3
Cornice
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description

Cornices have grown large and will break further back than you might expect. Best not to even tangle with these unpredictable monsters.

Additional Information

The moist northwest flow that's been over the region since the beginning of the week is starting to move east of the region. Skies remain cloudy and westerly winds blow throughout the day with gusts in the 40's along the high ridges. Temperatures climb into the low 30's before dipping into the teens overnight under clearing skies. High pressure and warming temperatures are on tap for Friday through the weekend.

General Announcements

Remember your information can save lives. If you see anything we should know about, please participate in the creation of our own community avalanche advisory by submitting snow and avalanche conditions. You can call me directly at 801-231-2170, email [email protected], or email by clicking HERE

This is a great time of year to schedule a free avalanche awareness presentation for your group or club. You can contact me at 801-231-2170 or email [email protected]

Donate to your favorite non-profit –The Friends of the Utah Avalanche Center. The UAC depends on contributions from users like you to support our work.

The information in this advisory is from the US Forest Service which is solely responsible for its content. This advisory describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.

This advisory will be updated by 7:00 AM Saturday February 2nd.

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