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

In mid and upper elevation terrain the avalanche danger is generally MODERATE on slopes steeper than about 35 degrees and human triggered avalanches are possible. Be aware- while limited and pockety in nature, a CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger exists, especially on steep, wind loaded upper elevation slopes facing east, north, northeast and southeast. While this makes up a small portion of our terrain, human triggered avalanches are probable on these types of above treeline slopes.

In wind sheltered mid and low elevation terrain the avalanche danger is generally LOW.


CURRENT CONDITIONS

Wrap around moisture ushered in yet another round of snow overnight, topping off a series of week long storms with a chin ticking layer of cold, light, 7% density snow. In the past 24 hours the North Slope faired well with nearly 2’ in the Chalk Creek area, 16” around Smith-Moorehouse and about a foot near Mirror Lake southward. North and northeast winds picked up late yesterday afternoon, blowing 20-30 mph along the high ridges, but mellowed out around 2:00 this morning. Currently winds are averaging 15 mph with a few gusts in the low 20’s. Temperatures are in the mid teens at 10,000’ and low 20’s at 8,000’. This week’s storm snow is settling out rapidly and trail breaking is quite easy on a supportable base. The riding and turning conditions are about as good as it gets and even the snow cat operators are getting face shots.


RECENT ACTIVITY

A few natural cornice falls, but no significant new avalanche activity reported.

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.

Spring is an amazing time in the mountains of Utah and by all accounts the past couple of weeks have been truly epic. Just a hint of sun, moderate temperatures and a little green-housing help settle out instabilities at a rapid rate and our avalanche conditions become predictably manageable. One fly in the ointment though is in the wind zone in upper elevation, leeward terrain. Strong mid week winds created a cohesive slab, especially on slopes with an easterly component. Now, several feet of new snow hides these fat, rounded pillows, making them hard to detect. If you’re getting into steep terrain today, you’ll need to gather some solid information before center-punching your favorite big bowl or steep chute. Dig down in the snow with your hands or shovel and take a look at not only the snow you’re riding in, but also the snow you’re riding on. Also, look for clues like shooting cracks which are always a good indicator of unstable snow.


THREAT #2

WHERE PROBABILITY SIZE TREND
      Over the next 24 hours.

In steep, mid and upper elevation terrain sheltered from the wind, you’ll be dealing with new snow sluffs and shallow soft slabs. These are pretty straight forward, though due to the shear amount of snow we’ve received, even a sizeable sluff could entrain quite a bit of snow, possibly burying someone below you. A well placed slope cut can give you a lot of feedback about the snows stability and the kind of terrain you can get after safely.


THREAT #3

WHERE PROBABILITY SIZE TREND
      Over the next 24 hours.

Cornices have grown huge and are breaking much further back than you might expect. Getting on the wrong side of a boxcar size piece of snow will definitely ruin your day. I’d give these unpredictable monsters plenty of respect and avoid walking out on one to see what’s on the other side.


MOUNTAIN WEATHER

Scattered snow showers should continue through the day as the cold Pacific system slowly moves towards Colorado. Winds will blow out of the north and northwest, in the 15-25 mph range along the high ridges. Temperatures remain cool with highs at 10,000’ in the low 20’s and at 8,000’ near 28 degrees. Overnight lows under clearing skies should be right around 10 degrees. High pressure builds through Tuesday with increasing clouds late in the day and another round of snow slated for early Wednesday.


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.

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 Apr. 5, 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.