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 at and above treeline a Level 3 (CONSIDERABLE) avalanche danger exists today. Human triggered avalanches are likely, especially on wind drifted slopes approaching about 35 degrees.

In addition to sensitive wind drifts, deep, dangerous avalanches breaking to the ground are likely, especially in steep, rocky, upper elevation terrain facing the north half of the compass on slopes with a thin, weak underlying snowpack. In terrain with these characteristics, pockets of Level4 (HIGH) avalanche danger exist. Avalanches triggered today in this type of terrain will be deep, dangerous and possibly unsurvivable.

In mid elevations out of the wind, new storm snow is the issue and a Level 2 (MODERATE) avalanche danger exists. Human triggered avalanches are possible on slopes steeper than about 35 degrees.


CURRENT CONDITIONS

The last in the parade of storms is moving into the region this morning. Light snow is falling and southerly winds are averaging 15-25 mph along the ridges with gusts in the mid 30’s along the high peaks. Temperatures are balmy, in the upper 20’s at 10,000’ and low 30’s at the trailheads. Yesterday’s blower powder took on some heat and got damp down low. However, dry snow can still be found with a little elevation gain.


RECENT ACTIVITY

Traveling around inside the milk jug yesterday, I didn’t see any avalanche activity, but folks still report collapsing on upper elevation slopes with a weak snowpack.

Click here for recent snowpack observations.

Click here for the Cherry Hill accident summary.


THREAT #1

WHERE PROBABILITY SIZE TREND
      Over the next 24 hours.

Storm snow continues to pile up, settling out rapidly and gaining strength… that’s the good news. The bad news is all of this dense, heavy, wet snow is falling on lighter density snow and we’ve got an upside-down cake. The snow is inverted and feels slabby, but you need a slope with some pitch to get things rolling. However, avalanches within the new snow are breaking a bit wider than you might expect and they’ll be packing a punch and depositing big piles of debris. In wind loaded upper elevation terrain, today’s slabs will be several feet deep.


THREAT #2

WHERE PROBABILITY SIZE TREND
      Over the next 24 hours.

This is a great storm for the eastern front and an incredible amount of new snow and water. In general, the snowpack is gaining strength. However, steep slopes facing the north half of the compass, particularly at upper elevations remain suspect. My gut tells me the deep buried weak layers are trying desperately to adjust and many slopes are waiting for an additional trigger like us to come along and knock the legs out from under them. While some steep terrain has avalanched naturally throughout the storm, problem is things are getting filled in so rapidly it’s hard to say what has slid and what remains intact. In any event, avalanches triggered today have the potential to break into deeper buried weak layers, producing a dangerous and possibly unsurvivable slide. Even if you’re playing on low angle terrain, think about steep slopes above and connected to you. Avalanches can still be triggered from a distance and on relatively flat terrain.


MOUNTAIN WEATHER

Snow continues through the day with an additional 4”-8” expected. Winds will blow out of the south and may bump into the 30’s along the high ridges. High temperatures don’t vary much, reaching into the upper 20’s and low 30’s. Overnight lows dip into the low 20’s. High pressure builds on Thursday through the weekend giving us clearing skies and warm temperatures.


GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

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.

Many thanks to all the great folks at Tri-City Performance and Polaris for their extremely generous donation to the Utah Avalanche Center. You guys… and gals rock! Click here to see Craig’s new ride.

The western Uinta advisory program is going full tilt and forecasts will be issued by 7:00 AM on Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and all holidays.


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.