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

At and above treeline in upper elevation terrain, the avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE (Level 3) and human triggered avalanches are probable, especially on steep slopes with recent deposits of wind drifted snow. In addition, a CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger also exists on steep slopes facing the north half of the compass, particularly where the snowpack has stayed thin and weak all season. While not widespread, human triggered avalanches which break into weak snow near the ground are probable in terrain with these characteristics.

A MODERATE (Level 2) avalanche danger exists on steep, wind drifted slopes at mid elevations and human triggered avalanches are possible.

At lower elevations and on most sun exposed mid elevation slopes the avalanche danger is generally LOW.

Be aware of changing avalanche conditions, especially if we receive more snow or stronger winds than forecast.


CURRENT CONDITIONS

A storm system working its way into the region is ushering in thick clouds and strong winds. South and southeast winds began blowing around 2:00 this morning, averaging 20 to 30 mph with gusts in the mid 40’s near the high peaks. Currently, temperatures are in the upper 20’s at 8,000’ and low to mid 20’s at 10,000’. Riding and turning conditions are gonna be hit and miss this morning. Most sun exposed slopes are crusted and strong winds will make life miserable up high. However, soft creamy snow will still be found on mid elevation, sheltered shady slopes.


RECENT ACTIVITY

No new avalanche activity to report.

Click here for recent observations.


THREAT #1

WHERE PROBABILITY SIZE TREND
      Over the next 24 hours.

It’ll be a day of rising avalanche danger. Fresh wind slabs, sensitive to the weight of a rider are today’s most obvious avalanche concern and these will become more widespread and deeper as the day wares on. You can expect to find newly formed drifts on the leeward side of ridges and around terrain features like chutes and gully walls. Shallow avalanches triggered in steep rocky terrain today can step down, breaking into weaker layers of snow as they descend the slope, creating a larger slide than you bargained for.

As today’s storm develops you’ll want to avoid steep slopes, especially those with recent wind drifts. In addition, re-evaluate your terrain choices especially if the snow starts stacking up at a rapid rate. Be flexible with your travel plans today and look for clues to unstable snow. Remember- shooting cracks, collapses and of course the most obvious, natural avalanches are all huge red flags.


THREAT #2

WHERE PROBABILITY SIZE TREND
      Over the next 24 hours.

Yesterday, Ted and I spent the day in God’s living room and found mostly stable conditions in high elevation, north facing terrain, especially where the snowpack is thick. However, as you already know- we tend to trigger deep, scary slides where the snowpack is thin and fragile. It seems ridiculous that we’re still talking about shallow snowpack’s in the middle of March, but most upper elevation snow sites are well below average, only reporting 60-70% of where we should be at this time of year. Deep, dangerous avalanches are getting harder to trigger and they’re becoming more pockety, but don’t let the lack of activity lure you into a false sense of snow security. Our snowpack is a structural junk show and much of our terrain is just waiting for a big load to get things going. While there’s a lot of hypothetical’s going on here, one thing is for sure- when the wind blows in the Uinta’s we usually see large avalanches… today should be no different.


MOUNTAIN WEATHER

A decent looking storm is setting its sights on Utah and we should see a good shot of snow late this afternoon into tonight. Storm totals should be in the 6”-10” range by Sunday morning. Light snow showers late this morning will increase in intensity and the heaviest snow can be expected between noon and 6pm behind the cold front. Southwest winds will crank along the ridges, averaging 20-30 mph with gusts near 50 mph, before turning northwest and dying down somewhat early this afternoon. Temperatures will remain mild for most of the day, reaching into the low 30’s at 8,000’ and upper 20’s at 10,000’. Overnight lows dive into the mid teens. Scattered snow showers are on tap for Sunday with an additional inch or two. High pressure builds for the first half of next 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 March 14th, 2010.

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

Also, we've installed two beacon checkers exclusively for snowmobiler's- one at the Noblett's Trailhead, the other at the Bear River Trailhead. Thanks to Backcountry Access, the Bear River Lodge for donating one of the units and the great folks at the National Weather Service for their partnership, support and hard work making this project happen. Click here for a brief tutorial.


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.