Avalanche Advisory
Advisory: Provo Area Mountains Issued by Greg Gagne for Friday - February 2, 2018 - 6:42am
bottom line

The Avalanche Danger is MODERATE on steep, mid and upper elevation slopes facing northwest through north through east. Human-triggered persistent-slab avalanches 1 to 3 feet deep and up to 200’ wide are possible in isolated places, failing on weak faceted snow grains.




special announcement

The latest UAC podcast - "Recreating Like a Pro - A Conversation with IFMGA guide Anna Keeling" is live. This podcast will be ideal for anyone looking to pick up some tips and tricks from a professional mountain guide for recreating in the winter backcountry environment.
current conditions

Temperatures in the Provo mountains are currently in the low 30's F and winds are westerly and generally light, averaging less than 10 mph, with gusts into the teens at the upper elevations

A trace to 1" of new snow was reported since yesterday afternoon. (Which, this season, is a pretty big deal.)

Although Salt Lake-centric, be sure to read our latest Week in Review for avalanche activity and significant mountain weather events from this past week.
recent activity

No avalanche activity was reported from the backcountry on Thursday.
Avalanche Problem 1
type aspect/elevation characteristics
LIKELIHOOD
LIKELY
UNLIKELY
SIZE
LARGE
SMALL
TREND
INCREASING DANGER
SAME
DECREASING DANGER
over the next 12 hours
description

Our lingering persistent slab avalanche problem exists at elevations 9000' and above, on slopes facing northwest through east (with a particular emphasis on north through northeast.) Thinner snowpack areas are particularly suspect – such as rocky rollovers as well as terrain outside of the upper Cottonwoods.

The likelihood of triggering one of these slides is low, but the consequences remain severe as the slide would break down 1 to 3 feet into deeper faceted layers. Human-triggered persistent slab avalanches over the past two weeks have taken out existing tracks, so any tracks - downhill or uphill - are no indication of stability. If you do choose to ride in terrain where this problem exists, be sure to consider the consequences such as being carried into trees or over rock bands.

The photo below is from last Friday's close call in the Meadow Chutes (in the Salt Lake mountains) where the red arrow points to a portion of old tracks that were taken out by the remotely-triggered avalanche.

Low or Moderate? In my observation from Thursday's field day, I added some thoughts as to why we are rating the current hazard as Moderate.
weather

Another warm one with mountain temperatures rising into the 30's F. Fortunately, cloud cover and west/northwest winds will make it feel more comfortable. Winds are forecasted to increase, gusting into the 20's at mid elevations, and 30's mph at the upper elevations. We may get an inch or two overnight.

Mostly cloudy over the weekend with maybe a snowflake or two in a northwest flow. Best next chance for snow looks to be Monday night. Beyond that .... not so good.

general announcements

CLICK HERE FOR MORE GENERAL INFO AND FAQ

The UAC has new support programs with Outdoor Research and Darn Tough. Support the UAC through your daily shopping. When you shop at Smith's, or online at Outdoor Research, REI, Backcountry.com, Darn Tough, Patagonia, NRS, Amazon, eBay a portion of your purchase will be donated to the FUAC. See our Donate Page for more details on how you can support the UAC when you shop.

Benefit the Utah Avalanche Center when you buy or sell on eBay - set the Utah Avalanche Center as a favorite non-profit in your eBay account here and click on eBay gives when you buy or sell. You can choose to have your seller fees donated to the UAC, which doesn't cost you a penny

This information does not apply to developed ski areas or highways where avalanche control is normally done. This advisory is from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This advisory describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.