March Kicks Off Our Spring Campaign- Donate Now to Support Forecasting
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
Sunday morning, March 28, 2021
While not widespread and isolated to high alpine terrain, today you'll find pockets of MODERATE avalanche danger above treeline in the wind zone. Human triggered slides are possible on steep, wind drifted, leeward slopes facing the north half of the compass.
And remember... triggering even a small slide in steep, unforgiving terrain can deliver a season ending injury if you slam into a tree or get carried over a cliff band.
Lose the wind and you lose the problem. Mid and low elevation terrain offers generally LOW avalanche danger.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
Learn how to read the forecast here
Special Announcements
Our Spring Avy Awareness Campaign is in full swing from March 16th- March 30th. Please help us save lives through avalanche forecasts and education. Consider making a donation to show your support.
Weather and Snow
Nowcast-
A big, bright, beautiful moon hangs high in the sky this morning and the mountains are lit up! Current temperatures are slightly warmer than yesterday at this time, registering in the teens and low 20's. Westerly winds bumped into the 30's early this morning, but have since backed off slightly and now blow 15-25 mph along the high ridges. Riding and turning conditions offer a mixed bag and it takes a little effort to get the goods. However, soft, settled snow is still found on upper elevation, wind sheltered, northerly facing terrain.
Forecast-
Look for mostly sunny skies with high temperatures climbing into the upper 30's. West and southwest winds blow in the 20's along the high peaks, increasing into the 40's and 50's overnight.
Futurecast-
A strong cold front crashes into the area early Monday and winds crank into the 60's. This system brings lots of blow, but not much snow. Temperatures rapidly fall into the 20's during the morning hours and into the teens overnight. High pressure with clear skies and warmer temperatures are on tap for the rest of the week.
Looking for real-time temps, snow, or wind?
Click HERE and then on the "western Uinta" tab for western Uinta specific, weather station network.
Recent Avalanches
Ted was in the high alpine terrain around Lofty Lake Peak yesterday and found pockety wind slabs on steep, leeward slopes. More on Ted's travels and his great insight found HERE.
Observations, trip reports, and avalanches found here.
Ad
Avalanche Problem #1
Wind Drifted Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Isolated to steep, leeward terrain in the wind zone, similar to the image above, you'll find a lingering wind drift or two that'll react to our additional weight. Not particularly widespread, but remember... if you're tagging steep, technical terrain, be aware that even a small slide could 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
Additional Information
On Friday, Ski-Doo pro rider Steve Martin found shallow pow and excellent riding conditions around Ruth Lake. He's got a great observation posted HERE.
I will update this forecast by 7:00 AM tomorrow, Monday, March 29th.
Your observations are important, so please let me know what you're seeing... click HERE and contribute to this amazing community based program
General Announcements
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 or [email protected]
This forecast is from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This forecast describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.
< Previous forecast
Next forecast >