Uintas Avalanche Advisory

Forecaster: Craig Gordon

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

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.

I'll be giving a free avalanche awareness talk designed specifically for snowmobilers today at 3:00 at Tri-City Performance in Springville.


BOTTOM LINE

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


Danger Rose Tutorial

The avalanche danger is generally LOW and human triggered avalanches are unlikely. Remember- LOW doesn't mean NO and there may be an old wind slab or two that could still be reactive to your additional weight.


CURRENT CONDITIONS

What a way to run a winter! With no new snow for nearly two weeks it's looking pretty grim out there. Above about 9,500' total snow depths only average 12"-16". 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. Currently, temperatures are in the mid teens at both the trailheads and along the upper elevation ridges. West and southwest winds are blowing 15-25 mph with a few higher gusts at the most exposed locations.


RECENT ACTIVITY

Click here for snowpits and recent pictures.


THREAT #1

WHERE PROBABILITY SIZE TREND
      Over the next 24 hours.

Recent cold temperatures have weakened our snowpack significantly, especially at the surface. The loose surface snow will sluff easily on steep slopes and could knock you off your skis or board and carry you into a tree or pile of rocks and that would ruin your day. Given the lack of snow cover right now and all the obstacles buried under our thin veneer of snow, getting caught in even a small slide could result in season ending consequences.

In addition, there may be an old hard slab or two lurking in steep, wind loaded terrain that could be reactive to your additional weight. Look for and avoid any fat, rounded pillow of snow, especially if it has a hollow, drum-like sound to it.


MOUNTAIN WEATHER

A cold front slides through the region today bringing with it a slight chance of accumulating snowfall. Storm totals will be in the 1"-3" range by Sunday morning. Today's high temperatures barely climb out of the upper teens before crashing into negative territory tonight. West and southwest winds back off during the day and should average 10-20 mph. Sunday looks like an in-between weather day and another system slides through the region for the beginning of next week, though this system should affect central and southern Utah. A promising storm arrives for us later in the week.


GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

The information in this advisory expires 24 hours after the date and time posted, but will be updated by 7:00 AM Sunday December 6th.

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.


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.