Skyline Avalanche Advisory

Forecaster: Grant Helgeson

BOTTOM LINE

Danger by aspect and elevation on slopes approaching 35° or steeper.
(click HERE for tomorrow's danger rating)


Danger Rose Tutorial

High elevation east facing slopes have a MODERATE avalanche danger due to a lingering wind slab. Low to Mid elevation slopes facing the south side of the compass have a MODERATE danger with regard to wet avalanches as things begin to heat up and bake in the sun. All other slopes generally have a LOW avalanche danger. Get out there and enjoy the last of the fluffy stuff on the high elevation slopes before it's gone.


CURRENT CONDITIONS

Riding conditions were improved this week as two weak storms passed over the forecast area, delivering 6" of medium density snow to our higher elevations. While it's not over the hood, there is good riding to be had on high elevation slopes facing the north half of the compass.


RECENT ACTIVITY

The wind got to the new snow in the first half of the week. Averaging 15 mph out of the W - NW, it loaded our east facing slopes to the point where a natural avalanche cycle occurred mid week. Here, you can see where this east facing slope underwent a natural cycle. This was a small cycle, kicking out manageable size one soft slab avalanches.

It sounds like some folks were able to trigger a small avalanche on the north skyline mid week while the snowpack was adjusting to the new snow & wind loading. Luckily, it sounds like everyone rode away unharmed.


THREAT #1

WHERE PROBABILITY SIZE TREND
      Over the next 24 hours.

The snowpack relieved itself of most of it's stress in the mid week cycle. However, you can still find pockets of wind slab out there on the high elevation east facing slopes. Avoid fat looking pillows, especially near convex rollers. These soft slabs are isolated in nature, and should be easily avoidable.


THREAT #2

WHERE PROBABILITY SIZE TREND
      Over the next 24 hours.

Winter "the season" is in its final week. With spring, come warmer day time temps and more intense sun. It's time to start thinking about wet avalanches. Watch for these slow moving yet destructive avalanches on the low to mid elevations slopes that get the most sun (those with a southerly component). While this type of avalanche is currently in its infancy on the Skyline, it will become more of a player in the next few weeks.


MOUNTAIN WEATHER

Temps are sitting right around 20 F this morning, and it's pretty quiet out there, with no wind to be spoken of.

The current forecast doesn't have the best news for powder-hounds. We're currently sitting in a ridge of high pressure. There aren't any storms to be spoken of, and the warming trend that started yesterday is building. The models are calling for temps in the mid 40's even at our highest elevations by the end of the week. Better get out there and enjoy it while there's still some fluff to be ridden......


GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

If you see or trigger an avalanche it would do the community good to report it. Your observations help to save the lives of others. The forecast area is large, and due to funding cuts I only have one field day to spend on the Skyline. This means that I can't possibly see it all. I need you to help me, help you. Please share your observations and experiences:

Shoot me an email: grant@utahavalanchecenter.org and or call me on my cell: 406-370-1337. Thanks!

Due to budget cuts we are only able to produce an advisory that is updated each Saturday morning.

Keep in mind that conditions change dramatically and that information may not be relevant for later in the week.

Want to schedule an avalanche awareness talk? Contact me for details.

This forecast will be updated by 7:00am Saturday, March 21st.


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.


This advisory provided by the USDA Forest Service, in partnership with:

The Friends of the Utah Avalanche Center, Utah Division of State Parks and Recreation, Utah Division of Emergency Management, Salt Lake County, Salt Lake Unified Fire Authority and the friends of the La Sal Avalanche Center. See our Sponsors Page for a complete list.