Forecast for the Uintas Area Mountains
Tuesday morning, December 13, 2016
Above treeline in the wind zone, the avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE today. Human triggered avalanches are probable on steep, wind drifted slopes facing the north half of the compass and particularly in terrain with an easterly component to its aspect. Any slide triggered has the potential to be deep and dangerous.
You'll find MODERATE avalanche danger in mid elevation terrain facing the north half of the compass. Human triggered avalanches are possible on steep, wind drifted slopes.
Low angle, wind sheltered slopes with nothing steep above or adjacent to where you're riding and most terrain facing the south half of the compass offers LOW avalanche danger.
Weather and Snow
Skies remained mostly clear overnight and current temperatures register in the low teens and single digits. West and southwest winds peaked yesterday in the 40's and 50's, but mellowed somewhat late last night and are little more reasonable this morning, clocking in at 25-35 mph. No new snow overnight, but an active storm track delivered several feet of snow this week and average settled snow depths are right around 36".
Real time wind, snow, and temperatures for the Uinta's are found here.
Recent observations are found here.
You don't need to roll the dice and get onto steep slopes to have fun. UAC Director Mark Staples was out with the pro athletes from the Boondockers crew Sunday and had a blast on low angle slopes. More on his travels are found here. (Staples photo)
Recent Avalanches
On Sunday, Michael Janulaitis remotely triggered this slab on a treed, northerly facing slope in Weber Canyon. Michael has been submitting killer obs throughout the storm cycle and we greatly appreciate all the hard working helping to keep our community safe! More info is found here. (Janulaitus photo)
The region experienced a widespread natural avalanche cycle during the intense wind and snowfall late Saturday night. Throughout the range, slide dimensions and characteristics are similar to what Ted found here in Whitney Basin yesterday. (Scroggin photo)
A full list of recent avalanche activity is found here.
Persistent Weak Layer
Description
The good news is... no new avalanches were triggered yesterday and that gives me faith that the snowpack is getting comfortable in its own skin. The bad news is... the snowpack is gaining strength and feels solid and good to go under our skis, board, or sled. These kind of conditions allow us to get well out onto the slope before it fails, often times breaking above us. We've got to remember there's a weak layer now buried several feet deep in our midpack with strong, dense, cohesive snow resting on top of it. Yep, it's a strong snow on weak snow setup and you know that's a dangerous combination in our mountains. Found mostly on steep, rocky, mid and upper elevations facing the north half of the compass, todays slabs are going to be reactive to our additional weight and may break deeper and wider than you might expect. Remember- any slide triggered that breaks into older snow near the ground, will take you for a body bruising ride through stumps, rocks, or deadfall, instantly ruining your day.
You can clearly see distinct layering in our pack. The storm has been a big wallop to the snowpack and it's gonna need sometime to adjust. Click here to watch a short viddy as Mark Staples explains why things remain tricky and dangerous.
Wind Drifted Snow
Description
West and southwest winds have been howling and there's no shortage of loose snow for them to work with. While probably not quite as sensitive to our additional weight as they were yesterday, I'd still continue to steer clear of any fat, rounded piece of snow, especially if sounds or feels hollow like a drum. Found mostly on the leeward side of upper elevation ridges, due to the strength of recent winds, I bet there's a few rogue drift or two lurking in steep chutes and gullies at mid elevations as well.
In a new zone and unsure what the winds have been doing? Take a moment and check out the snow surface. In this image, winds have been blowing right (windward) to left (leeward). At upper elevations today we'll find both new and old drifts sensitive to our additional weight on the leeward side of ridges. (Scroggin photo)
You can also observe wind loading patterns from a distance and make a game plan before even approaching a slope. (JG Photo)
Additional Information
Increasing clouds and continued windy conditions along the ridges as a warm front crosses the area tonight into tomorrow. High temperatures reach into the low 30's with overnight low in upper teens. West and southwest winds blow in the 30's and 40's along the high peaks. Light snow develops late tonight and Wednesday with a couple inches of snow expected, along with stronger winds. Much warmer temperatures follow Thursday, before a colder storm system arrives Friday giving us a nice shot of snow.
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]
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.
The information in this advisory expires 24 hours after the date and time posted, but will be updated by 7:00 AM on Wednesday December 14th.