Uintas Avalanche Advisory

Forecaster: Craig Gordon

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Many thanks to everyone who has sent in photos, observations and avalanche occurrences. This information allows us to issue more accurate forecasts and ultimately saves lives. Thanks again folks... please keep 'em coming!

BOTTOM LINE

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


Danger Rose Tutorial

While not widespread, at and above treeline there are pockets of Level 3 (CONSIDERABLE) avalanche danger on slopes that face North, Northeast, and East. Numerous snowmobile triggered avalanches have occurred in this type of terrain the past week. All other slopes above treeline have a Level 2 (MODERATE) avalanche danger.

Along the high ridges fresh wind slabs will be sensitive to the additional weight of a rider and a Level 2 (MODERATE) avalanche danger exists. Human triggered avalanches are possible on steep wind drifted slopes.

CURRENT CONDITIONS

A layer of high clouds kept the region warm overnight, as a splitting storm system begins to work its way into the northern half of the state. Southeast winds are blowing 20-35 mph around Windy Peak and out of the southwest with gusts to 40 mph near the high peaks surrounding Mirror Lake. Temperatures are in the upper 20’s and low 30’s. Riding and turning conditions remain quite good, though many of the more popular areas are tracked out.

RECENT ACTIVITY

In the last week there have been four snowmobile triggered avalanches reported and many other slides observed. The majority of the activity involves the Jan. 8th surface hoar. This notoriously tricky layer has been failing both mid slope and at the top of the slope, and it some cases has failed in pretty low angle (32 degree) terrain.

THREAT #1
WHERE PROBABILITY SIZE TREND
      Over the next 24 hours.

Where did this nasty layer come from?

It was formed during the string of cold clear nights in early January and is widely distributed across the range. On January 8th we received a small amount of snow that came in without wind and preserved it. At this point, there is 18"- 24" of snow on top of it.

How long will it stay like this?

Unfortunately the surface hoar is super well preserved in our snowpack and may haunt us 'til the snow flows from our taps this summer.

What are the consequences of triggering an avalanche that breaks on the surface hoar?

Riders are pulling out hard slabs 1.5 - 2 feet in depth. So far, no one has been totally buried or killed, but I suspect this is only because the slab isn't deep enough yet. As we begin to add more load (snow) to the equation, we're looking at a pretty scary situation.

What can I do to avoid triggering a surface hoar avalanche?

Here's where it gets tricky. First, familiarize yourself with the recent surface hoar avalanches. Most of the activity has been at and above treeline on slopes that face North, Northeast and East. Unfortunately, this is also where the good riding is right now.

Abstinence is the best policy, by avoiding the above mentioned terrain, you're going to avoid a slide that breaks several feet deep. If that doesn't sound like fun, then you're going to need to be very diligent about assessing slope stability before jumping onto them. That means taking the time to dig down and identify the surface hoar and test it to see how it's behaving. You can also tweak small test slopes to see how they're reacting, but I wouldn't bet the farm on that test alone.

If testing is a bit too complex, then simply avoid slopes that face North, Northeast or East at and above treeline. Even if you're in the flats or meadows, be sure there isn't more serious terrain above you.

Finally, if you do see or trigger an avalanche, please let us know. Photos are the best! You can report these events here, or see our contact info in the general announcements.

THREAT #2
WHERE PROBABILITY SIZE TREND
      Over the next 24 hours.

Fresh wind slabs formed overnight, though these will be limited to highest leeward facing slopes. Breaking at or below our sled, skis or board take care one of these manageable avalanches doesn’t get out of hand by slamming you into a group of trees or carrying you over a cliff band.

MOUNTAIN WEATHER

A Pacific storm system slides through the region tonight into Monday. Look for increasing clouds throughout the day with snow developing by about dinner time. It looks like we can expect 2”-4” of new snow by Monday morning. Temperatures remain mild today with highs in the low 30’s, but crash into the teens overnight. Southerly winds will gust into 40’s along the highest ridges before switching to the northwest and backing off into the low 20’s as the cold front arrives. Additional snowfall is expected on Monday with another 3”-6” possible before very cold air settles in over the region for Tuesday. Partly cloudy skies and quiet weather is on tap for the second half of 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 Wednesday Feb. 2nd.

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

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.