Uintas Avalanche Advisory

Forecaster: Craig Gordon

BOTTOM LINE

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


Danger Rose Tutorial

While the avalanche danger is generally LOW, slabs formed along the leeward side of upper elevation ridges today may be sensitive to the additional weight of a person.


CURRENT CONDITIONS

Finally some weather and new snow to talk about. A weak trough sliding to the north of our region kicked off some light snow showers late yesterday which lingered into the early morning hours. Don’t get too excited though, just an inch of snow has fallen and it looks like clearing skies to the west should put an end to anymore significant accumulation. West and northwest winds are blowing 5-15 mph at most locations, though along the high peaks gusts in the low to mid 30's are being reported. Temperatures are in the mid to upper 20’s. If you’re looking for some turns or a quick spin on the sled, I gotta tell you it’s pretty grim out there. With only a foot of heat crusted, wind worked snow on the ground, there's barely enough base to even ride on grassy slopes.


RECENT ACTIVITY

No avalanche activity reported or observed.


THREAT #1

WHERE PROBABILITY SIZE TREND
      Over the next 24 hours.

Our early season snowpack is rapidly deteriorating and we’re developing plenty of weak sugary facets both near the ground and at the snow surface. Of course, this doesn’t bode well for us once it starts snowing or the wind blows and a slab develops on top of this mess. Speaking of wind, it looks like it’ll be nuking along the upper elevation ridges and peaks later today forming slabs sensitive to the weight of a person. Today’s avalanches are mostly shallow, manageable and isolated to the leeward side of upper elevation ridges, peaks and gullies. But remember- going for a ride in even a small avalanche this time of year and slamming into a trauma inducing rock or stump will definitely ruin your holiday weekend.


MOUNTAIN WEATHER

 Skies should begin to clear later this morning as high pressure begins to build in the wake of the last system. Northwest winds should remain manageable at most locations, though up high they’ll be increasing throughout the day, blowing in the 30’s and 40’s, gusting to 60 mph by late afternoon. Temperatures will be relatively mild today with 8,000’ highs near freezing and at 10,000’ in the mid 20’s. Overnight lows dip into the low 20’s. A dirty ridge through the weekend allows for a few clouds to drift into the region, with high pressure building early next week. There’s no big change in the weather pattern in the foreseeable future.


GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Remember- your observations help to save other riders lives. So if you see or trigger any avalanches please let me know what your seeing. You can reach me at 801-231-2170 or craig@utahavalanchecenter.org

While it's quiet, now is a great time to schedule a free avalanche awareness class for your group or club. You can reach me at 801-231-2170 or craig@utahavalanchecenter.org for more details.

The information in this advisory expires 24 hours after the date and time posted. With no significant weather in sight, I'll update this advisory with a mid week forecast by 7:00 am on Wednesday Dec. 3, 2008.


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.