Wasatch Cache National Forest
In partnership with: Utah Division of State Parks and Recreation, The Friends of the Utah Avalanche Center, Utah Department of Emergency Services and Homeland Security and Salt Lake County.

“keeping you on top”

AVALANCHE ADVISORY

Monday, April 02, 2007  7:30 am
Good morning, this is Brett Kobernik with the Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center with your backcountry avalanche and mountain weather advisory.  Today is Monday, April 02, 2007 and it’s 7:30 in the morning.

 

Special Announcement:  The Utah Avalanche Center will stop issuing regular daily advisories starting April 2nd.  We will continue to issue statements every few days as well as before and during any significant weather event such as a spring snow storm or period of rapid warming through April.  These statements will contain general avalanche and mountain weather information without an overall danger rating.

 

Current Conditions:

Overnight temperatures were in the mid 20s at the higher elevations and in the mid 30s in the 8000 to 9000 foot range.  Ridgetop winds continue to blow from the west in the 10 to 20 mph range gusting into the 30s and 40s at the more exposed locations.  The mountains received a quick shot of snow last night along with periods of light snow throughout the night to produce 1 to 2 inches of new snow in the Cottonwoods and along the Park City ridgeline.  Snow flurries in other areas didn’t add up enough to show on instrumentation.

 

Recent Avalanche Activity & Snowpack Discussion:

No significant avalanches were reported from Sunday however we received zero observations as well which leads me to ask if an avalanche runs in the backcountry without anyone there does anyone care?  Today’s weather may not be the most inspiring for a spring outing but if you are getting out here’s just a few things to keep in mind.  

 

There wasn’t a whole lot of snow available for transport before last nights little bit but now there is some to blow around and form small drifts.  You’ll find these mainly on northeast through southeast facing slopes.  Slope cuts will be affective with these.  Tickle any pillows or drifts you see as you travel in safe terrain to see if they crack and how they behave.

 

The next thing to think about is how the sun and warm spring temperatures will affect the new snow.  We probably won’t see much more then “rollerballing” from this new snow but you should always keep in mind the possibility of a wet slide after a snow storm in the spring time especially on sun exposed slopes.

 

Mountain Weather:

A low pressure trough and associated cold front will clip northern Utah on Monday.  This will bring periods of light snow with a few inches of accumulation possible mainly from I-80 north.  Westerly ridgetop winds will continue in the 10 to 20 mph range gusting into the 30s and 40s at the more exposed locations and possibly increasing somewhat this afternoon.  Things clear out this afternoon and mountain temperatures drop into the low 20s overnight.  Winds will taper off.  Tuesday will be mostly clear with a warming trend bringing temperatures to around 40 along the ridges.  We’ll see partly cloudy skies Tuesday night into Wednesday with warmer temperatures.  A ridge of high pressure sets in for the end of the week with continued warm temperatures.

 

Announcements:
We appreciate all the great snowpack and avalanche observations we’ve been getting, so keep leaving us messages at (801) 524-5304 or 1-800-662-4140, or email us at [email protected]. (Fax 801-524-6301)

The information in this advisory is from the U.S. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content.  This advisory describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.

Brett Kobernik will update this advisory by 7:30 on Monday morning, and thanks for calling.