AVALANCHE WARNING »
Dangerous avalanche conditions are occuring or are imminent.
Backcountry travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.
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Notice:
The avalanche warning continues for all the mountains of northern Utah. Deadly human triggered avalanches continue to be very likely on steeper slopes. Avalanches can be triggered from a distance so stay out from underneath steep slopes as well. People without expert level backcountry avalanche skills are urged to stay out of the backcountry.
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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT |
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Huge thanks to Tim and the U Crew for helping to get Trent and I out of a tight spot yesterday.
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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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A Level 4 (HIGH) avalanche danger exists. Deep, dangerous, unsurvivable human triggered avalanches are very likely, especially on steep wind drifted slopes facing the north half of the compass. At and above treeline in the wind zone, historically large, human triggered, tree snapping avalanches are certain on steep, wind loaded slopes.
Lower elevation terrain is getting in on the act as well and a Level 3 (CONSIDERABLE) avalanche danger will be found on steep, northerly facing slopes. Human triggered avalanches are probable on steep wind drifted slopes.
Slopes facing the south half of the compass at mid and low elevations that had no snow prior to the big storm offer Level 1 (LOW) avalanche danger. |
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CURRENT CONDITIONS |
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Skies are overcast and temperatures in the teens and single digits along the ridges. Winds switched to the south late yesterday and are blowing 20-30 mph ahead of a weak storm slated to brush by the region.The big storm snow has settled a bit, but in most areas riding conditions are epically bottomless. |
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RECENT ACTIVITY |
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The region experienced a widespread natural avalanche cycle on Saturday afternoon and yesterday three large hard slabs were triggered in steep, wind loaded, north facing terrain. The biggest slide was 4’-8’ deep and 300’ wide. Fortunately all riders came home unscathed. Click here for more observations from Mill Hollow.
Ted was out in the Whitney Basin and found some interesting avalanche activity as well. Click here to view.
Click here for a report of a monster slide we triggered Friday near Mill Hollow.
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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This video pretty much sums up what's going on with our snowpack.
The snowpack is adjusting to the big storm, but avalanche conditions remain deceivingly dangerous. Now that the storm snow has settled somewhat, steep terrain isn’t as reactive as it was just a few days ago and the signs of unstable snow will become more subtle. No you’re not going to trigger slides on every steep slope you ride and that’s just the problem. The snow has gotten stronger and it will allow you to get well out onto it before the rug gets pulled out from under you. Today you need to avoid being on, under, or adjacent to any steep, wind drifted slope, especially if it faces the north half of the compass. There’s plenty of great over the head and over the hood riding on lower angle slopes, so there’s no reason to pull on the dog’s tail today to see if it’ll bite back…. eventually you run out of luck.
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MOUNTAIN WEATHER |
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A splitting system brings clouds and light snow to the region late today through Tuesday. Accumulations will be light, in the 2”-4” range. High temperatures reach into the upper 20’s before diving into the teens overnight. South and southwest winds will be a nuisance, blowing 20-40 mph along the ridges. Quick moving storms in a westerly flow give us a chance of light snow through the end of the week. |
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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, January 25th.
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. |
