Uintas Avalanche Advisory

Forecaster: Craig Gordon

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

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)


BOTTOM LINE

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


Danger Rose Tutorial

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.


CURRENT CONDITIONS

Another stellar day is on tap for the western Uinta’s as high pressure settles in overhead. Winds are just about non-existent, blowing less than 10 mph even along the highest peaks. Under clear skies, temperatures are slightly inverted and it’s 23 degrees at 11,000’, 15 degrees at the trailheads. Not to be outdone, Lily Lake reports a fingertip numbing 5 degrees. Cool temperatures this week helped preserve the snow and yesterday Ted and I found very good riding and turning conditions on upper elevation northerly facing slopes.


RECENT ACTIVITY

We took a look at a natural avalanche in the East Bowl of Murdock Peak which occurred sometime Tuesday. The slide was 3' deep, 100' wide, running about 600' vertically.

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

For more photos of recent avalanche activity click here


THREAT #1

WHERE PROBABILITY SIZE TREND
      Over the next 24 hours.

West and northwest winds have been active this week along the upper elevation ridges and there’s a few lingering slabs out there that a rider could trigger today. Fortunately they’re not that widespread, easy to detect and easier to avoid. These fat, rounded pillows of snow that often sound hollow will be found on the leeward side of ridges and around terrain features like chutes and gullies. While manageable in size and breaking at or below our sleds or skis, if you’re getting into steep radical terrain think about the consequences of triggering even a small slide and getting rolled into a group of trees or carried over a cliff band… now that’ll ruin your day.


MOUNTAIN WEATHER

High pressure gradually slides east of the region today, allowing a southwest flow to develop later this afternoon. Winds should remain fairly light throughout much of the day, blowing less than 20 mph even along the high ridges. Highs today reach into the low 40’s at 8,000’and mid 30’s at 10,000’. Overnight lows under mostly cloudy skies should be right around 22 degrees. A weak system clips northern Utah overnight, ushering in stronger winds and perhaps an inch of snow. Sunday should be mostly cloudy and slightly cooler with a snow flurry or two. Warm and dry weather is expected for a good portion of the upcoming work week.


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

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 Sunday Mar. 15, 2009.


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.