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
“keeping
you on top”
AVALANCHE ADVISORY
Friday,
February 15, 2008 7:30 am
Good morning, this is Brett Kobernik with
the
Current Conditions:
Ah, how spoiled we are
here in the Wasatch. Not that many
people were complaining but most backcountry observations reported the foot of
new snow not quite up to our high standards as far as riding conditions with a
slightly upside down feel as well as sun and wind crusts felt under the new
snow. I know, poor babies! The floatation index was a bit low. A day or so of settlement should improve
conditions a bit. Easterly winds also did
some damage in the form of upslope drifting.
Winds slowed and are light from the northeast with ridgetop temperatures
in the single digits this morning.
Snow and Avalanche Discussion:
Fresh wind slabs and
drifts were not overly sensitive on Thursday but one skier triggered a small
pocket in Toledo Chute which is southeast facing. Some skiers were able to get a couple of
small pockets to release in the backcountry near
Clear skies today will
affect the new snow on sun exposed southerly slopes. A number of south facing slopes heated up on Thursday
and refroze overnight which will make them more stubborn today. A few people noted that not all southerly
facing slopes heated up. These slopes will
be the most sensitive today. Watch where you are as the day progresses on the southerly aspects.
Although drifts and
slabs produced by the recent wind event seem to be mostly stable it’s still worth
a mention for today. The easterly winds
are not the normal for us so just make sure you’re taking this into
account. You may find odd drifts in
areas you don’t usually see. Stomp or
ride on pillows in safe areas to see if they’re sensitive.
Bottom Line for the
The
avalanche danger is generally LOW this morning. You may still find a few pockets where a
fresh drift may release in wind affected areas which puts the danger into the MODERATE category.
The danger may rise to MODERATE on southerly
facing slopes with daytime heating.
Mountain Weather:
Clear skies, light
northeast winds and temperatures in the mid to upper 20s are in store for
today. A northwesterly flow will affect
us over the weekend with a few disturbances to our northeast which will produce
some clouds and the possibility for a few flakes in the northern portion of the
state. High pressure is in store for
Monday and Tuesday bringing mild temperatures then the possibility for a few
storms later in the week.
Announcements
The Wasatch Powderbird Guides flew in
Mineral,
There are a few spots left in the Friends of the
If you want to get this
avalanche advisory e-mailed to you daily click HERE.
UDOT highway avalanche control work info can be
found by calling (801) 975-4838.
Our statewide tollfree line is 1-888-999-4019 (early morning, option 8).
Watch video tututorials and fieldwork from UAC staff at our YouTube
channel.
The UAC depends
on contributions from users like you to support our work. To find out
more about how you can support our efforts to continue providing the avalanche
forecasting and education that you expect please visit our Friends page.
If you see any avalanches or interesting snow conditions, please leave us a
message 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.