An Avalanche Warning remains in effect for the western Uinta Mountains. Strong winds coupled with new snow have lead to several large, natural avalanches. More wind and snow is expected today and a Level 4 (HIGH) avalanche danger exists. Human triggered and natural avalanches are likely, especially on steep wind drifted slopes at mid and upper elevations.

Our fourth annual Avy Ride, a fundraiser benefitting avalanche outreach and education specifically for snowmobilers, will be held today, Saturday Feb. 26th. You can get more details by clicking here.

At mid and upper elevations especially at and above treeline, the avalanche danger is a Level 4 (HIGH) and dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Both human triggered and natural avalanches are likely, particularly on steep wind drifted slopes in terrain facing the north half of the compass.

In addition, a widespread and persistent layer of surface hoar exists throughout the range and human triggered avalanches can break into this deeply buried weak layer, creating a large and dangerous avalanche. Those without expert snow assessment skills should avoid upper elevation slopes facing Northwest, North, Northeast, and East where a Level 4 (HIGH) avalanche danger exists.

Out of the wind an entirely different avalanche dragon will be found, particularly on mid elevation slopes facing the south half of the compass where you’ll be dealing with storm snow instabilities and perhaps a recent wind drift or two. A Level 2 (MODERATE) avalanche danger exists on these slopes and human triggered are possible.

A Level 1 (LOW) danger exists on low angle, low elevation terrain, especially those with no steep slopes above or adjacent to where you’re riding.

The Uinta’s got clobbered overnight and the big winner is the North Slope. In addition to yesterday’s 14” of new snow, it looks like another foot or so fell overnight. The south half of the range really got skunked on this one and has only received a storm total of 12”. Southerly winds started ramping up at noon yesterday, averaging 40 mph with gusts in the 70’s along the high ridges. Temperatures remained quite mild overnight, just starting to fall in the past few hours and are currently in the low to mid 20’s.

The place is coming unglued! Very large and dangerous natural avalanches have been reported with the biggest occurring in Super Bowl. The tree snapping slide was several hundred yards wide and broke deep into the buried surface hoar layer. Additional avalanches occurred along the ridge and Ted got a peak at these yesterday before the weather window slammed shut.

In addition, a very close call last Thursday involved six sledders and a human triggered avalanche near Humpy Peak. No injuries were reported although a few sleds had to be towed out after being damaged by the slide. As the weekend progressed we went through a natural avalanche cycle that saw crowns up to 3' in depth.

Big thanks to all those who submitted observations. The information is GREATLY appreciated!

An additional 3”-6” of snow is expected throughout the morning along with more reasonable southwesterly winds. Temperatures don’t vary much from where we’re at this morning and overnight lows dip into the low teens. West and southwest winds are starting to taper off, but will increase again later this morning, gusting into the 30’s and 40’s along the high ridges. A drying trend develops for Sunday, though we could still see a few scattered snow showers. A break in the action is slated for 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 Sunday, Feb. 27th, 2011.

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

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.