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. Above all… think about the consequences of triggering an avalanche.


BOTTOM LINE

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


Danger Rose Tutorial

While the avalanche danger is generally LOW (Level 1) this morning, as the storm materializes the danger will rapidly rise to MODERATE (Level 2), especially during times of high snowfall rates or increased winds. Human triggered avalanches will be possible, particularly on steep, upper elevation slopes facing the north half of the compass.


CURRENT CONDITIONS

Skies are mostly cloudy, temperatures are in the upper teens and mid 20’s, and a few light snow showers are starting to develop as the first in a series of storms begins to affect the region. Winds started to become an issue around midnight, averaging 30 mph with gusts in the 40’s and 50’s along the high ridges.

The mountains are white from far… but far from white. Riding and turning conditions are thin and limited to all but the highest north facing slopes. Grassy meadows and rock free roads are your best bet for early season turns or for a quick spin on the new sled. Click here to check out Ted's great observation from the Whitney area on Wednesday.


RECENT ACTIVITY

No new avalanches to report.

Click here for recent observations from around the region.


THREAT #1

WHERE PROBABILITY SIZE TREND
      Over the next 24 hours.

With a series of storms poised to bear down on northern Utah, expect a rising avalanche danger over the weekend. The good news is, the danger is easy to predict and limited to upper elevation, northerly facing slopes which have pre-existing snow left over from the early October storms. The bad news is, there’s weak snow on top of some slick melt-freeze crusts and even a small avalanche is going to pack more of a punch than you might expect. As new snow stacks up and the winds continue to blow, slabs will become more sensitive to the weight of a rider. Avalanches triggered today will be manageable in size, but could take you for a nasty, season ending ride as you slam through rocks and stumps barely covered by our thin snowpack. Best way to play it safe is to avoid steep slopes all together.


MOUNTAIN WEATHER

A winter storm warning is in effect for the region and we should see two distinct waves of snow accompanied by strong winds. The first shot swings through the state this morning and a foot of snow is a good bet. South and southwest winds will crank, averaging 30 to 40 mph, gusting into the 50’s and 60’s along the high ridges. Today’s high temperatures don’t vary much from where we’re at this morning and overnight lows dip into the upper teens. Snowfall tapers off through the evening, but then re-develops overnight ahead of the next system. Storm totals should be near two feet. A cool and moist pattern gives way to warmer temperatures and southerly winds mid to late 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, November 13th.

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.