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Forecast for the Skyline Area Mountains

Brett Kobernik
Issued by Brett Kobernik for
Saturday, February 2, 2013

Most of the terrain has a MODERATE avalanche danger but the easterly facing upper elevation steep slopes with recent wind drifts have a CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger still. Avoid these slopes for a few more days and they will be much safer.

Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
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Weather and Snow

We have clear skies and light west winds this morning with temperatures in the upper teens to low 20s. The Skyline picked up around a foot or better of new snow during the last storm that happened mid week. Riding conditions are excellent on the Skyline right now for the most part but there is of course some wind damage in the higher more exposed terrain.

Recent Avalanches

There was a natural avalanche cycle that occurred during the last snow storm on January 30th and 31st. The majority of the avalanches were breaking into newer snow but a number of them did include some deeper buried weak layers.

There was also a fairly good sized snowmobiler triggered avalanche on Friday in upper Lake Canyon.

Check out all of the avalanches from the Skyline HERE.

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Avalanche Problem #1
Persistent Weak Layer
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description

The danger of triggering a slab avalanche is decreasing as the days pass from the last storm but I do think it is still possible to trigger one today. They have the potential to be quite large which is why I'm rating the danger at CONSIDERABLE for this issue. These are mostly breaking within the newer snow and this instability should heal itself in a fairly short order. However, east facing upper elevation recently wind loaded slopes over 35 degrees in steepness are still the most suspect place to trigger a large avalanche.

Cornices have grown quite a bit from this last storm and will still be very sensitive. Continue to avoid these beasts.

Avalanche Problem #2
Wet Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description

As the sun heats up the southerly facing slopes they may become unstable. Watch for 'rollerballs' or 'pinwheels' which are a sign that the snow is becoming damp to the point where it is getting unstable. Avoid being on or underneath those steep slopes that become wet this afternoon.

Additional Information

It looks like it's going to be another really nice day with plenty of sun, mild temperatures and light to moderate west wind. Temperatures should get into the mid 30s along the ridges. High pressure will stay in place well into next week with continued mild weather. The next storm that could produce snow is shaping up for late next week.

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 9th.

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