Skyline Avalanche Advisory

Forecaster: Craig Gordon

AVALANCHE WARNING »

Dangerous avalanche conditions are occuring or are imminent. Backcountry travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.
Notice:

An Avalanche Warning remains in effect for the mountains surrounding the Manti-Skyline. Strong winds have overloaded a weak snowpack, creating a HIGH avalanche danger. Avalanches can be triggered from a distance and on lower angle terrain. Dangerous human triggered avalanches are likely. People should avoid being on or under steep wind drifted slopes.


SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

It is with great sadness to report yet another avalanche accident which occurred on Thursday resulting in the death of 24-year-old Timothy Robert Baker of Salt Lake City. He was killed in a backcountry avalanche he triggered in Dutch Draw. Our thoughts, prayers, and condolences go out to the friends and family of Mr. Baker.


BOTTOM LINE

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


Danger Rose Tutorial

In the wind zone at upper elevations a Level 4 (HIGH) avalanche danger exists for both fresh wind drifts and for deeper slides in terrain where a strong slab overlays a thin, weak snowpack. Human triggered avalanches are likely on steep wind drifted slopes, especially those with an easterly component to their aspect.

At mid elevations a Level 3 (CONSIDERABLE) avalanche danger will be found and human triggered avalanches are probable on all steep wind drifted slopes.

A LEVEL 2(MODERATE) avalanche danger will be found on leeward slopes at lower elevations and human triggered avalanches are possible.


CURRENT CONDITIONS

Skies are partly cloudy, temperatures in the single digits and low teens, and northwesterly winds are blowing 10-20 mph along the ridges. The Skyline really got skunked with yesterday's storm and only an inch or so of new snow fell.


RECENT ACTIVITY

Multiple avalanches reported along the Skyline yesterday, especially on steep, upper elevation, northeast facing slopes.

In addition, lots of cracking and collapsing along with large, pockety avalanches reported on steep east, north, and northeast facing slopes surrounding the Skyline. Steve Cote reported nearly all of the large, east facing bowl at the head of South Lake Fork avalanched.... yikes!

This remotely triggered slide was initiated from about 40 yards away.

Click here for a trip report from Friday.

Huge thanks for all the great info this week. Many thanks to Deven, Steve, Darce, and Seth.... y'all rock!

Click here for recent observations from the region.


THREAT #1

WHERE PROBABILITY SIZE TREND
      Over the next 24 hours.

Nothing has changed with our problem child, the weak sugary depth hoar near the ground. Avalanches triggered today on steep wind loaded slopes can easily break into these deeply buried dragons, creating a deep, dangerous slide. In addition, avalanches can be triggered from a distance and on relatively flat terrain.


THREAT #2

WHERE PROBABILITY SIZE TREND
      Over the next 24 hours.

Yesterday's hurricane force winds formed stiff, strong feeling hard slabs on leeward slopes as well as around terrain features like chutes and gullies. Drifting also occurred much lower downslope than you'd expect. Once triggered, today’s slabs will break deeper and wider than you might anticipate.


THREAT #3

WHERE PROBABILITY SIZE TREND
      Over the next 24 hours.

Cornices have grown huge along the leeward side of mid and upper elevation ridges, breaking back further than you might think.


MOUNTAIN WEATHER

Weak high pressure builds as yesterday’s storm heads east. We should see mostly sunny skies developing with highs reaching into the mid 20’s. Winds decrease throughout the day, switch to the northwest, before ramping back up tonight. Winds increase significantly tonight as the next storm system carves its way through our region late Monday. The storm will linger through Tuesday with storm totals in the 4”-8” range.


GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

The information in this advisory expires 24 hours after the date and time posted, but will be updated by 7:00 AM Saturday, March 3rd. If you’re getting out and about and trigger an avalanche or see anything interesting please drop me an email at craig@utahavalanchecenter.org or call 801-231-2170 Also, now is a great time to schedule one of our free avalanche awareness presentations for your group or club. Email or call me and we’ll get you booked before things get too crazy.


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.