UDOT PLANNED AVALANCHE CLOSURES!!

Forecast for the Skyline Area Mountains

Brett Kobernik
Issued by Brett Kobernik on
Tuesday morning, March 26, 2024
The overall avalanche danger is MODERATE.
Human triggered avalanches are possible but not that likely. Keep in mind, the new snow is getting deeper which means any avalanche that gets triggered will be deeper.
Areas where the wind has drifted snow will be the most likely place to trigger a slide. Steep east facing slopes just below the ridges are the most suspect places.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
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Weather and Snow
Current Conditions: A few more inches trickled in on Monday bringing totals up to 14" since Saturday night. The wind has been pretty well behaved from the northwest with light to moderate speeds. Temperatures have remained cool. Highs have been in the low 20s and lows overnight have been in the teens. Riding conditions are good.
Mountain Weather: It's going to be another cloudy day with periods of snow and a few more inches stacking up by Wednesday morning. High temperatures today will get into the mid 20s. Wind from the northwest starts out light to moderate in speed but it looks like we'll see somewhat gusty conditions later this afternoon. We'll get a break from snow on Wednesday and might see partial clearing. Another round of snow moves through Thursday afternoon which should bring another 2 to 4 inches. Overall, the weather pattern looks unsettled through the rest of the week but with warmer temperatures.
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Avalanche Problem #1
New Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
As far as I can tell, the new snow has been well behaved and is mostly stable. It's been accumulating slowly which is good for stability. The wind hasn't been too strong which is also good for stability.
That said, there is now enough new snow that if you trigger an avalanche, it could be large enough to cause harm or bury a person.
  • Look for any recent avalanches which indicates unstable conditions.
  • Watch for cracking within the new snow. If you see this, avoid steep slopes.
  • Areas where the wind has drifted snow are the most likely places to find trouble. Avoid steep wind loaded slopes especially on northeast through southeast facing slopes.
  • The wind will most likely increase today which will form fresh drifts. These are most sensitive when they are forming and directly afterward.
All that said, conditions are not all that dangerous right now. Don't let your guard down though and use the information mentioned above as you travel through the mountains today.
General Announcements
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.