Avalanche Advisory
Advisory: Uintas Area Mountains Issued by Craig Gordon for Saturday - April 5, 2014 - 5:59am
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At upper elevations in the wind zone, there is a MODERATE avalanche danger and human triggered avalanches are possible in steep, sustained, wind drifted terrain facing the north half of the compass. While not widespread, once initiated, today's avalanches can break deeper and wider than you might expect, particularly in steep, rocky terrain.

Mid and low elevation terrain offers a generally LOW avalanche danger.

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current conditions

Clouds streaming into the region are ushering in a weak system that'll bring scattered showers and a few inches of snow. Winds are light and southerly, blowing 10-20 mph along the high ridges. Temperatures remained cool overnight and are currently in the mid teens and low 20's. Strong sunshine has crusted many slopes, but soft powder can be found on upper elevation north facing terrain.

Afternoon clouds envelop the high peaks on the eastern front.

Click here for current winds, temperatures, and snowfall throughout the range.

Click here for trip reports.

recent activity

No news of the weird to report. Archived avalanche activity is found here.

Avalanche Problem 1
type aspect/elevation characteristics
LIKELIHOOD
LIKELY
UNLIKELY
SIZE
LARGE
SMALL
TREND
INCREASING DANGER
SAME
DECREASING DANGER
over the next 24 hours
description

There may be an old wind slab or two lurking on the leeward side of upper elevation ridges, but in general, we've been finding the vast majority of these to be rather relaxed and quite predictable. However, if your travels take you into steep, technical, no mistake kinda terrain, remember that even a small slide can have major consequences if you get carried over a cliff or slammed into a tree. If you're getting after it today, gather some information on small test slopes and see how they're reacting before charging into big, committing terrain.


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Avalanche Problem 2
type aspect/elevation characteristics
LIKELIHOOD
LIKELY
UNLIKELY
SIZE
LARGE
SMALL
TREND
INCREASING DANGER
SAME
DECREASING DANGER
over the next 24 hours
description

I'm not convinced that somewhere in a range as vast as the western Uinta's, you couldn't find an avalanche that breaks to weak snow near the ground. While there's plenty of slopes offering green light conditions, steep, rocky terrain, facing the north half of the compass remains suspect. Unless you have a detailed history of the slope you plan to ride and know it's avalanched to the ground at some point this season, given the consequences, it's best to avoid terrain with these characteristics.

Avalanche Problem 3
type aspect/elevation characteristics
LIKELIHOOD
LIKELY
UNLIKELY
SIZE
LARGE
SMALL
TREND
INCREASING DANGER
SAME
DECREASING DANGER
over the next 24 hours
description

Strong winds have produced large cornices that may break back further than you might expect. Probably best to avoid being on or under these unpredictable monsters.

weather

A weak storm system brings scattered snow showers with the possibility of an afternoon thunderstorm both today and again on Sunday. West and southwest winds remain well behaved and in the 10-20 mph range. High temperatures climb to near freezing before dipping into the mid teens overnight. High pressure builds for the early portion of the upcoming week and temperatures soar. It'll be sweltering by Wednesday with highs reaching into the 50's.

general announcements

Remember your information can save lives. If you see anything we should know about, please participate in the creation of our own community avalanche advisory by submitting snow and avalanche conditions.   You can call me directly at 801-231-2170, email [email protected], or email by clicking HERE

This is a great time of year to schedule a free avalanche awareness presentation for your group or club. You can contact me at 801-231-2170 or email [email protected]

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The information in this advisory is from the US Forest Service which is solely responsible for its content. This advisory describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.

I will update this advisory by 7:00 AM on Sunday Apr. 6, 2014 or sooner if conditions warrant.