SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT |
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Many thanks to Weller Recreation and Summit County Search and Rescue for hosting this weeks avalanche awareness presentation in Kamas. In addition, I want to thank the Weller's and Ski-Doo for their continued support of the Avalanche Center helping to provide a loaner sled each year. |
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BOTTOM LINE
Danger by aspect and elevation on slopes approaching 35° or steeper.
(click HERE for tomorrow's danger rating)
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Danger Rose Tutorial
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At and above treeline a Level 3 (CONSIDERABLE) avalanche danger exists. Unmanageable avalanches breaking to weak snow near the ground are likely, especially on steep slopes facing the north half of the compass.
A LEVEL 2 (MODERATE) danger exists at mid elevations and human triggered avalanches are possible, particularly on steep wind drifted slopes.
Mid and low elevation slopes facing the south half of the compass offer Level 1 (LOW) avalanche danger. |
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CURRENT CONDITIONS |
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Scattered clouds drifted in the region overnight and temperatures are in the mid to upper 20’s. Southwest winds ramped up late yesterday afternoon and really began cranking early this morning, averaging 40 mph with gusts in the mid 50’s along the high peaks. Riding and turning conditions are less than ideal. |
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RECENT ACTIVITY |
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No new avalanche activity to report. Click here for recent observations. |
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THREAT #1 |
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PROBABILITY |
SIZE |
TREND |
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Over the next
24 hours.
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Our snowpack is a junk show and each time the weak pack has experienced a sudden load we’ve seen avalanches. Today's strong winds are forming a cohesive slab that rests on top of weak sugary snow near the ground. These are dangerously unmanageable avalanche conditions. The snow will feel strong and solid underneath our machine, but we need to remember what we’re riding on and it’s a house of cards just waiting for someone to come along and kick the legs out. No, you’re not going to trigger slides on every steep slope you ride today and that’s just the problem. It’ll be easy to get lured out onto slopes before you find the right combination of strong snow overlaying weak snow, you’ll collapse the slope, and you’re off to the races. Triggering an avalanche today will, at the very least, result in a body beating ride through rocks and stumps. |
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MOUNTAIN WEATHER |
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Warm and windy is the big headline of the day as a quick hitting storm approaches the region. Southwest winds howl along the ridges, gusting into the 50’s and 60’s before switching to the west and north. Temperatures dive from highs in the upper 30’s today, to teens by tomorrow morning. I don’t expect we’ll see huge snow totals out of this first system, perhaps 2”-4” is about it, before skies clear late Monday and temperatures crash into negative territory. Bigger news comes later in the week as moisture increases Wednesday and an active pattern sets up through the end of the week bringing the potential for significant snowfall. More details to follow for tomorrows update. |
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GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS |
The information in this advisory expires 24 hours after the date and time posted, but will be updated with a special holiday forecast by 7:00 AM Monday, January 16th.
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 |
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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. |
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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. |
