March Kicks Off Our Spring Campaign- Donate Now to Support Forecasting

Forecast for the Uintas Area Mountains

Craig Gordon
Issued by Craig Gordon on
Friday morning, March 20, 2020
Today's avalanche hazard is pretty straightforward and easily managed with terrain choices, including aspect and elevation-
While the avalanche danger is generally LOW across the range, there are isolated places where you could trigger an old wind drift, especially in steep, rocky terrain above treeline in the wind zone. And here's something to consider... if you're getting into steep, technical terrain, even a small slide can knock you off your ride, potentailly slam you into a tree, and throw a curve ball at your day.
In addition, should the sun poke out for any length of time, steep, sunny slopes at all elevations may take on some heat today and become moist. So you'll want to get off steep slopes, especially if the snow feels damp or manky.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
Learn how to read the forecast here
Special Announcements
Thanks to everyone for tuning in to last nights LiveStream IG, State of the State of the Snowpack presentation. It was a blast and I look forward to connecting with y'all in the future.
Weather and Snow
Currently-
Skies are mostly cloudy, a scattered snow shower or two lingers over the region, and winds are almost nonexistent, blowing less than 10 mph even along the high peaks. Current temperatures register in the teens and low 20's. The mid week storm was good to the region, stacking up 6"-8" of snow across the range, vastly improving the riding conditions.
Uinta weather network info is found here. Simply click on the Western Uinta tab.
For today-
Look for mostly cloudy skies with hit or miss snow showers today. Winds remain light and high temperatures climb into the low 30's.
Futurecast-
Recent Avalanches
Other than a few shallow sluffs on sustained steep slopes, no significant avalanche activity to report.
To view additional trip reports and recent avalanche activity, simply click here.
Ad
Avalanche Problem #1
Normal Caution
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
You can see the storm evolve with strong southerly winds ramping up early Wednesday as snow began falling. As the storm settles in over the region, ridgetop winds become nearly non-existent, when finally, it doesn't get more quiet than this. Wind data is from Windy Peak (10,662')
Here are a few considerations...
Dry snow-
Isolated to steep, leeward terrain in the wind zone, there might be a lingering wind drift or two, or shallow loose snow sluff that'll react to your additional weight. Not particularly widespread, but remember... if you're tagging steep, technical terrain, be aware that even a small slide could surprise you and possibly knock you off your feet and boss you around. So, the ticket to riding safely today is simply look for and avoid any fat, rounded piece of snow, especially if it sounds hollow like a drum.
Damp snow-
If the snow you're riding on becomes damp, manky, and unsupportable, simply change aspect and elevation and set your sights on colder snow.
Additional Information
We know there is a lot of uncertainty regarding the Coronavirus, but the Utah Avalanche Center is planning to continue issuing regular avalanche forecasts into April.
Uphill Travel at Ski Areas -
Some resorts will be offering limited uphill access but not all do. Up to date info about uphill access from Ski Utah is posted HERE.
General Announcements
The information in this forecast expires in 24 hours, but will be updated by 7:00 AM Saturday Mar. 21st.
This forecast is updated daily by 7:00 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
The information in this forecast is from the US Forest Service which is solely responsible for its content.