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Forecast for the Uintas Area Mountains

Mark Staples
Issued by Mark Staples on
Sunday morning, December 10, 2023
The snowpack in the Uintas is much different than many areas in the Wasatch Range. It remains thinner and weaker and human triggered avalanches are likely above treeline on most slopes where the avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE. It's still sketchy near treeline but the likelihood of triggering a slide is a just a little less and the danger is MODERATE.
Below treeline at low elevations and on south and southwest-facing slopes near treeline, the danger is LOW.
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Learn how to read the forecast here
Weather and Snow
Yesterday's very cold air started moving out of the area last night. This morning, temperatures range from 18-22 degrees F. Winds picked up overnight as well averaging 20-24 mph from the WNW, gusting to 40 mph on the high peaks, blowing 12-24 mph at lower ridgelines.
Today high clouds will be increasing throughout the day. High temperatures should reach the mid to upper 20s F and winds will continue from the WNW and decrease just a little.
This evening through Tuesday, several weak disturbances will bring clouds and some flurries of snow but no accumulations. A ridge of high pressure brings clear skies and sunshine through the rest of the week.
Snow from Friday's storm is slowly settling and total snow depths (and water content at SNOTEL sites) are below. Scroll to the bottom of this forecast to see how the snowpack compares to the 30-year median.
Recent Avalanches
No avalanches have been reported.
Trip reports and the latest observations are found HERE.
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Avalanche Problem #1
Persistent Weak Layer
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
There is a slab of cohesive snow about 15-20 inches thick that can produce avalanches fracturing on a persistent weak layer of old, faceted snow from November. This situation is here to stay for some time. Several groups experienced collapses and audible whumpfs which are clear signs that this layer remains unstable. Craig describes the set up in his video from Wolf Creek Pass below:
Avalanche Problem #2
Wind Drifted Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Winds from the WNW increased overnight and have likely formed some shallow slabs of wind drifted snow. Not a major wind storm at all, but look for and avoid any of these freshly formed wind slabs.
Additional Information
While it seems like a slow start to the season, in terms of water amounts, SNOTEL sites in the Western Uintas generally have median values. White dots are at the median. Green are a little above, and beige dots are a little below. Click on the image for an interactive map from the NRCS.
We are always looking for snow and avalanche observations or just general riding conditions. So... if you see something, say something. You can reach me directly at [email protected] or 801-231-2170.
Also, if you're looking for more avy education opportunities for yourself, your crew, or your club please don't hesitate to reach out to me and we'll find a presentation, class, or clinic for ya!
General Announcements
CLICK HERE FOR MORE GENERAL INFO AND FAQ
Issued at 0700 on Sunday, December 10th this forecast will be updated by 0700 Monday, December 11th, 2023.
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.
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