I want to thank all the riders who participated in yesterday’s Essential Avy Skills Workshop, making it a huge success. In particular I want to thank the great staff who offered their skills and knowledge. Thanks to Ted Scroggin, Grant Helgeson, Pat Reddish and Reid Persing… you guys rock! In addition, a big shout out goes to our awesome partners, Park City Powder Cats for being such gracious hosts and allowing access for our snowpit and terrain session.

We now have three western Uinta specific weather stations up and running.

For Weber Canyon and upper Chalk Creek- Windy Peak (wind and temperature) and Giant Steps (snow depth and temperature)

For the region around Mirror Lake- Lofty Lake Peak (wind and temperature)

At and above treeline the avalanche danger is MODERATE today and human triggered avalanches are possible on wind drifted slopes steeper than about 35 degrees, especially those facing east, north and northeast.

In wind sheltered terrain the avalanche danger is generally LOW.

Another beautiful day is on tap in the mountains. Under mostly clear skies, temperatures are slightly warmer than yesterday at this time; right around 10 degrees at both 8,000’ and 10,000’. West-southwest winds increased overnight, blowing into the 30’s along the high ridges. No new snow to report, but with a mostly supportable, go-anywhere base the riding and turning conditions are about as good as they get for the Uinta’s.

No significant new avalanche activity reported or observed yesterday.

Click here for a list of recent avalanche activity in the Uinta's.

For more photos of recent avalanche activity click here

We should see mostly sunny skies for a good portion of the day, before clouds stream into the region late in the afternoon, bringing with them a good shot of snow. West-southwest winds will be increasing along the ridges throughout the day, blowing in the 30’s with gusts in the 50’s by around dinner time. High temperatures at 8,000’ reach into the low 30’s and at 10,000’ near 28 degrees. Overnight lows under mostly cloudy skies should be right around 21 degrees. Snow develops late tonight, but things really get going on Monday and I think 8” is a pretty good bet by Monday night. Winds should remain fairly active, blowing in the 30’s and 40’s. A moist west-northwest flow Monday night into Tuesday ushers in cold air and another shot of snow. Storm totals should be right around a foot. High pressure and a warming trend set up for the latter half of the week.

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

Also, Beacon Basin is up and running and located inside the orange fencing on the northeast corner of the Nobletts Trailhead. In addition, Ted installed a Beacon Park in his neck of the woods, near the Bear River trailhead on the Evanston side of the range, so here's no excuse not to be practicing with your rescue gear.

The information in this advisory expires 24 hours after the date and time posted. I'll update this advisory by 7:00 am on Wednesday Mar. 11, 2009.