UDOT PLANNED AVALANCHE CLOSURES!!
Ad
The National Forest Service Logo
icon-add Observation
Forecasts
Logan Ogden Salt Lake Provo Uintas Skyline Moab Abajos Weather Archives How to read the forecast
Observations & Avalanches
Submit Observation Observations Explorer All Observations Avalanches Fatalities Weather Place Names Map Archives
Education
Avalanche Class List UAC Class List Online Classes Resources and Tutorials Avalanche Awareness Develop Skills
Events
Store
About
Contact Who we are Core Values Staff Board of Directors Past Forecasters Sponsors Annual Reports Sign In
Blog
icon-add Observation
Donate / Join

Forecast for the Uintas Area Mountains

Craig Gordon
Issued by Craig Gordon on
Thursday morning, December 19, 2019
Deceptively tricky avalanche conditions exist. Any avalanche that breaks to old snow near the ground WILL quickly get out of hand, resulting in a deep, dangerous slide.
UNPREDICTABLE and UNMANAGEABLE-
In the wind zone at mid and upper elevations, CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger is found on steep slopes facing the north half of the compass, especially those with an easterly component to their aspect. Human triggered avalanches are LIKELY, particularly in rocky terrain harboring weak, pre-existing, early season snow near the ground.
MORE PREDICTABLE-
Fresh drifts are most prevalent along the leeward side of upper elevation ridges and around terrain features like chutes and gullies where MODERATE avalanche danger is found and human triggered avalanches are POSSIBLE. Common theme is- once triggered, today's drifts may break a little deeper and wider than you might expect.
Here's your exit strategy-
Wind sheltered low and mid elevation south facing terrain, and big open meadows with no steep terrain above or adjacent to where you're riding generally offers LOW avalanche danger and human triggered avalanches are unlikely.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
Learn how to read the forecast here
Special Announcements
It is with a heavy heart that I report a tragic, backcountry avalanche accident which occurred Sunday in the Dutch Draw area along the Park City/Big Cottonwood Canyon ridge-line. Of course, our collective thoughts, prayers, and energy go out to the friends and family of Raymond M. Tauszik, 45, of Salt Lake City.
A full report is found here.
Let's visit tonight, Thursday Dec. 19th at 6:30 at the Park City Library. Together... we'll discuss last years accidents, this years snow structure, and the recent tragic avalanche accident that occurred over the weekend.
Weather and Snow
Currently-
A weak cold front slides through the region early this morning and temperatures are on the cool side, in the teens and low 20's. Along the high ridges southerly winds blow 15-25 mph. No new snow in the past 24 hours, but last weeks big storm delivered a whole lotta love to the eastern front, stacking up nearly three feet of snow. Riding and turning conditions are quite good and low angle, wind sheltered slopes are the ticket.
For today-
Skies clear as the day progresses and winds shift to the northwest, blowing in the 20's along the high peaks. High temperatures climb into the upper 20's and dip into the low teens overnight.
Future cast-
High pressure builds for the remainder of the week through the weekend and we can expect sunny skies, warming temperatures, and light winds. There's a glimmer of hope for a more active weather pattern slated for early next week.
Recent Avalanches
Ted was near Double Hill yesterday and spotted this connected hard slab on a heavily wind loaded, northeast facing slope on the north end of Double Hill. Breaking 3'-5' deep and about 150' wide, this avalanche failed on weak, sugary snow near the ground. The jury is still out, but nearby sled tracks suggest this slide was triggered from a distance. Ted knows the Uinta's better than anyone and he's an integral part of our avalanche forecast team. Ted's insight and very informative report is found here.
Recent avalanche activity and trip reports are found here.
Ad
Avalanche Problem #1
Persistent Weak Layer
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
It's tricky out there and yesterday's avalanche on Double Hill clearly shows we're not out of the woods just yet. So here's where we need to take a minute, step back, and evaluate our objectives, because we're seeing the biggest clue to avalanches.... and that's other avalanches! I realize the range is white and the snowpack is gonna feel really strong and supportable under our skis, board, or sled. However, we've gotta think not only about the snow we're riding in, but also the snow we're riding on, and right now it's inherently sketchy. Once initiated, avalanches can break deep and wide, especially on steep, upper elevation wind drifted slopes, resulting in a potentially unsurvivable slide. In addition, today's avalanches could still potentially be triggered mid slope or even low on the slope.
No matter how you cut it, this is not the type of avalanche problem that we want to tangle with or try to outsmart. That's too much uncertainty for me to deal with so I'm keeping it simple... patience and avoidance are the only solution. I'm simply gonna ride low angle terrain in the sun and avoid being on or under steep, wind drifted slopes.
There's a lot of terrain to ride today and not have to deal with unmanageable avalanche conditions, IF you chose slopes that had NO old snow prior to the big Thanksgiving storm.
Below is the setup we're dealing with.
From Sunday in Smith-Moorehouse, Randy remotely triggered this slide and notes.... "We triggered this remotely from ridge above, have seen it go before in similar conditions so was expecting this. Failed on old snow from October storms, ran to ground. Would expect a repeat. Also dug a pit 20 min before on similar aspect and noticed widespread collapsing while moving through the lower angle terrain."
Our recent pit profile on a northwest facing slope near Wolf Creek Bowl. Pretty clear to see a defining line of strong snow resting on top of weak snow near the ground.
Avalanche Problem #2
Wind Drifted Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Today, you'll find a whole new batch of fresh, yet manageable drifts along the leeward side of upper elevation ridges on all aspects. And while older drifts from last weeks big storm are stubborn and less reactive to our additional weight, remember- winds cranked during the big storm, drifting snow in unusual locations and around terrain features like chutes and gullies.
Your best bet for avoidance is to simply steer clear of any fat, rounded piece of snow, especially if it looks chalky or sounds hollow like a drum. In addition, look for and listen to clues like whoomphing sounds or shooting cracks in the snow which are sure signs of unstable conditions.
This small avalanche along the Co-op Trail is a great indicator of recent strong winds drifting snow slightly further downslope than we're used to seeing. With a red flag like this, I know I can trigger a much larger slide as I gain elevation and get into big, open terrain.
Additional Information
Thanks to the generous support of our Utah ski resorts and Ski Utah, we have discount lift tickets available. All proceeds support the UAC. Get your tickets HERE.
Get one of these cool t-shirts to support the UAC and other avalanche centers across the U.S. INFO
General Announcements
The information in this forecast expires in 24 hours, but will be updated by 7:30 AM Friday Dec. 20th.
This forecast is updated daily by 7:30 AM.
In the mean-time, if you see or trigger an avalanche or just wanna let me know what you're seeing you can reach me directly at 801-231-2170
It'll be a minute or two before we're riding, but while you're waiting....
This is a great time of year to schedule one of our free avy awareness presentations.
You can email me directly [email protected]
The information in this forecast is from the US Forest Service which is solely responsible for its content.
< Previous forecast
Next forecast >