Mirror Lake Highway is currently open, but don't let this easy access to the western Uintas lull you into a false sense of security just because you can see your car from a nearby ridge or mountain top. The Uinta snowpack is notoriously sketchy and much weaker than you might find in the central Wasatch. If you're getting into steep terrain, be prepared for your own self rescue- that means wear and know how to use an avalanche beacon, shovel and probe.

While the avalanche danger is generally LOW, there are still places where you could trigger a slide the next few days. Likely suspects are steep, upper elevation wind drifted slopes, especially those with a pre-existing snowpack, facing east, northeast, north and northwest. In this type of terrain a MODERATE avalanche danger exists and human triggered avalanches are possible.

High and dry weather along with no measurable snowfall for about a week has left the Uintas looking white from far, but they are far from white. Above about 9,500' total snow depths only average 2' or so. Limited riding and turning conditions can be found on upper elevation, north facing, rock free slopes and meadows and low angle terrain is your best bet for turns.

A small wind loaded pocket was intentionally triggered in Murdock Bowl mid week. Click here for details.

A splitting system will graze Utah late Friday into early Saturday, but there's not much in the way of snow expected. For Friday, skies should be partly cloudy and high temperatures will reach into the low 40's. By days end south and southwest winds should increase into the 20's and 30's along the high ridges. Cloudy skies and a few flurries are on tap for Saturday with a return to high pressure for Sunday into early next week.

The information in this advisory expires 24 hours after the date and time posted, but will be updated by 7:00 AM Saturday November 28th.

If you’re getting out and about and trigger an avalanche or see anything interesting please drop me an email at craig@utahavalanchecenter.org or call 801-231-2170

Also, now is a great time to schedule one of our free avalanche awareness presentations for your group or club. Email or call me and we’ll get you booked before things get too crazy.