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 old wind slabs may still be sensitive to the weight of a rider. Human triggered avalanches are possible on slopes steeper than about 35 degrees, especially those facing east, north, and northeast.

Out of the wind at mid and low elevations the avalanche danger is generally LOW.

A mild westerly flow over the region kept temperatures at bay overnight. Currently, under partly cloudy skies it’s 25 degrees at 11,000’ and 30 degrees at the trailheads. Winds are light, blowing 5-15 mph with a few gusts in the low 20’s along the high ridges. Recent warm temperatures combined with strong winds last week, worked the snow surface and there’s not a lot of deep, soft snow out there. None the less it’ll be a beautiful day in the mountains and this morning you’ll find a short lived corn cycle on south facing slopes at mid and lower elevations.

Yesterday, Ted discovered a snowmobile triggered slide on Yamaha Hill which appears to have occurred sometime Sunday. The hard slab avalanche was 2’ deep, 300’ wide and ran for about 500’ vertically, leaving some body bruising chunks of snow in its wake. The weakness was near surface facets, which are easily identifiable in the snowpack near the March 4th dust layer. As far as we know, no one was injured or buried. However, as with any avalanche, it would be nice to know the details so we can learn more about how avalanches work. If you have any info, please drop me a line at craig@utahavalanchecenter.org

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

For more photos of recent avalanche activity click here

Today we can expect partly cloudy skies and warm temperatures as a mild westerly flow remains over the region for most of the day. West and northwest winds should blow less than 25 mph even along the highest ridges. High temperatures at 8,000’ will soar into the upper 40’s and at 10,000’ it’ll be right around 40 degrees. Overnight lows will be in the low 20’s. Another similar day is on tap for Thursday and then increasing moisture ahead of a weak weather disturbance leads to a few showers on Friday. A major winter storm arrives over the area late in the weekend. Ahead of the storm look for very windy conditions Saturday. Much colder temperatures and periods of heavy snow are expected late Sunday through Monday.

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 Saturday Mar. 21, 2009.