A Special Avalanche Advisory has been issued for the mountains of Northern and Central Utah. Dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Strong winds are blowing the snow into drifts that can be easily triggered by backcountry travelers from a distance. Backcountry travel in steep avalanche terrain is not recommended.

At and above treeline dangerous avalanche conditions exist. In the wind zone a Level 4 (HIGH) avalanche danger will be found today and human triggered avalanches breaking to weak snow near the ground are likely.

At treeline and on any steep, mid elevation slope, especially those facing the north half of the compass, a Level 3 (CONSIDERABLE) avalanche danger exists.

Mid and low elevation slopes facing the south half of the compass offer Level 1 (LOW) avalanche danger.

Just what we needed… hurricane force winds. A storm system just to the north of our region is producing west and northwest winds averaging 50 mph with gusts in the upper 70’s. Winds are ripping into the 30’s even at lower elevations and valley bottoms. Looks like just an inch of snow has fallen and temperatures dropped into the mid teens overnight. The Uinta’s didn’t escape Wednesday’s rain event and a thin crust is found on all aspects and at all elevations. Riding and turning conditions have gone from bad to worse and last night’s wind event turned much of our upper elevation terrain into a moonscape.

Two slides were reported yesterday near Elizabeth Pass, both on east facing slopes and both broke to the dirt. Fortunately no one was caught.

Ted and Joe stomped around Bald Mountain Pass yesterday. Click here to view their observations.

Click here for recent observations from around the range.

This morning we can expect strong west and northwest winds gusting into the 40’s at lower elevations and into the 60’s and 70’s along the ridges. A passing snow shower will add an additional inch or so before high pressure builds and skies clear. Temperatures rise into the low 20’s and bottom out into the teens overnight. Clear skies and warming temperatures are on tap for the remainder of the weekend into early next week… there are no big storms in sight.

The information in this advisory expires 24 hours after the date and time posted, but will be updated by 7:00 AM Sunday, January 1st.

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.