SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT |
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Many thanks to Travis and all who turned out for Thursday nights avy presentation at MORGAN VALLEY POLARIS. It was great to see old friends and make some new ones too! |
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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 pockets of Level 4 (HIGH) avalanche danger exist for deep slides that break to the ground. Human triggered avalanches are very likely, especially on steep, upper elevation, wind drifted slopes facing the north half of the compass.
At mid elevations 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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Clear skies abound this morning as high pressure over the region builds through the weekend. It’s brisk though, with temperatures in the single digits and northwesterly winds blowing 15-25 mph at most locations and into the mid 30’s along the exposed ridgelines. Last weekend’s storm snow has settled nicely and with an additional 4"-6" of fresh snow from Thursday's storm, excellent riding and turning conditions. |
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RECENT ACTIVITY |
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 Yesterday, Ted took a look at a large slide that was triggered on the northeast side of Elizabeth Pass on Tuesday. Deep, wide, and breaking to the ground, this was a close call for a couple of very experienced locals. In addition, heart stopping whoomphs that sound like rolling thunder continue throughout the range. Click here to see his 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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The snowpack is gaining strength and as it does the avalanche danger won’t be as in your face as it was just a few days ago, and that’s just the problem. The snow will feel solid and bomber under our sleds, but the old rotten snow near the ground continues to haunt us. This was clearly the case in this week’s big slide near Elizabeth Pass. One common theme in all the big human triggered slides we’ve looked at this past week, are the huge snowfields on the windward side of the slope, where several football fields worth of snow is available for winds to transport it to the leeward side of the hill. The raging winds from last weekend’s big storm formed very stiff, strong feeling slabs that will allow us to get well out onto the slope before it fails. Remember- we’ve got to think about not only the snow we’re riding in, but also the snow we’re riding on. Any steep slope that didn’t avalanche during last weekend’s big storm remains suspect. |
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MOUNTAIN WEATHER |
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High pressure strengthens across the area through the weekend allowing for a warming trend. Today we can expect clear skies with temperatures climbing into the mid 20’s before diving back into the teens overnight. Northwest winds will be irritating along the ridges, gusting into the mid 40’s near the high peaks. Slightly warmer on Sunday with the next storm system slated to impact the area on Monday. |
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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 Sunday, January 29th.
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. |
