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.

The trailing edge of a storm system brushing the northern half of the state brought clouds and strong southwest winds overnight. Along the high ridges winds are blowing 25-40 mph with a few gusts in the 50’s. Currently, temperatures are in the mid 20’s at 8,000’ and right around 18 degrees at 10,000’. While it’s not the over-the-hood conditions we’ve been used to the past few weeks, you can still find patches of soft settled powder in wind sheltered, shady terrain.

In his travels yesterday, Ted discovered a natural avalanche off the east side of Moffit Peak which occurred during last Tuesday’s storm cycle.

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

For more photos of recent avalanche activity click here

Periods of sun and clouds, gusty southwest winds and warm temperatures are all on tap for the region today. Southwest winds will be a nuisance along the ridges, blowing in the 30’s and 40’s. Highs at 8,000’ should reach into the low 40’s and at 10,000’ in the low to mid 30’s. Overnight lows bottom out in the mid 20’s. A westerly flow sets up for the beginning of the week, ushering in mild temperatures and a slight chance of light snow Monday and Tuesday. High pressure builds for the mid portion of the week. The computer models hint at a deep, cold trough for next weekend, but as you know that’s computer fantasy land and we’ll have to see how it all pans out. I’ll have a better handle on the storm track for the midweek update.

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. 18, 2009.