Skyline Avalanche Advisory

Forecaster: Craig Gordon

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Looking for a safe way to ride Utah's powder during High backcountry avy danger? Click

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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 pockets of Level 4 (HIGH) avalanche danger exist 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.

In wind sheltered where there are no steep slopes above or adjacent to where you're riding a Level 1 (LOW) avalanche danger will be found.

CURRENT CONDITIONS

Under mostly cloudy skies temperatures are in the mid teens and light snow is falling. West and northwest winds are blowing 25-35 mph along the ridges. Close to two feet of new snow stacked up this week and riding conditions are epically deep… over-the-hood and over-the-head!

RECENT ACTIVITY

Visibility has been limited to say the least and we haven’t been able to visit any of the big terrain surrounding the Skyline. However, given the big winds and plenty of new snow I’d have to think the region has experienced a pretty significant natural avalanche cycle.

Click here for recent observations from the region.

THREAT #1
WHERE PROBABILITY SIZE TREND
      Over the next 24 hours.

Recent winds and heavy snowfall have overloaded a variety of weak layers and many slopes wait for a human trigger to come along and knock the legs out from underneath them. Don't get fooled into thinking we're just dealing with fresh wind drifts. Today, avalanches can break 2’-3’ deep on a layer of weak surface snow formed in early February. They’ll pack a punch, quickly ruining a great day of powder riding.

THREAT #2
WHERE PROBABILITY SIZE TREND
      Over the next 24 hours.

Deep, dangerous avalanches breaking to the ground aren’t out of the question. Steep, rocky, upper elevation, north facing terrain where a thin, weak snowpack is connected to strong snow or terrain that avalanched near the ground in mid January are likely suspects.

THREAT #3
WHERE PROBABILITY SIZE TREND
      Over the next 24 hours.

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

MOUNTAIN WEATHER

The northwest flow keeps clouds and light snow showers over the region throughout the day. Highs reach into the mid 20’s. West and northwest winds remain strong, gusting into the 50’s and 60’s along the high ridges. They’ll mellow out late in the day and skies begin to clear as high pressure builds for Sunday and Monday.

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 9th. 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.