Avalanche Advisory
Advisory: Uintas Area Mountains Issued by Craig Gordon for Friday - December 26, 2014 - 5:39am
bottom line

At upper elevations at and above treeline, the avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE. Human triggered avalanches are probable on steep, wind drifted slopes facing the north half of the compass, including west facing terrain. Any slide triggered today has the potential to break deep and wide, resulting in a dangerous avalanche.

A MODERATE avalanche danger exists on recently wind loaded slopes at mid elevations and human triggered avalanches are possible

A LOW avalanche danger exists on low and mid elevation slopes facing the south half of the compass.
special announcement

We just released an exciting, new avy safety video designed specifically for snowmobilers - Knowledge is Powder. https://vimeo.com/113677686

NEW THIS YEAR: You can now receive advisories by email for each region in the state. Go here for details.
current conditions

Winds relaxed, temperatures dropped, and snow fell straight out of the sky yesterday, stacking up an additional foot of light density fluff in the past 24 hrs. North and northeast winds increased around 2:00 this morning and are currently blowing 15-30 mph along the high peaks. Temperatures are near zero. The coverage has gone from zero to hero and it's an over-the-head and over-the-hood kinda day. Excellent riding and turning conditions are found, especially on mid elevation, wind sheltered slopes.
recent activity

A couple sled triggered slides near Tower Mountain on Tuesday occurring on heavily wind loaded east and northeast facing terrain. Fortunately, the debris fanned out and no one was caught, buried, or injured, but the writing is on the wall and avalanche conditions remain sketchy in the western Uinta's. Recent trip reports, backcountry observations, and avalanche observations are 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

Just a little bump in the winds created fresh drifts, sensitive to the weight of a rider. Fat and rounded in their appearance, these soft slabs formed on upper elevation, leeward slopes facing the north half of the compass. In addition, due to the easterly winds, I suspect you'll find drifting on slopes with a west component to their aspect as well. While mostly manageable in size and depth, today's new snow slabs will be sensitive to the additional weight of a rider.

Remember- shooting cracks in front of your skis, board, or sled are huge clues to unstable snow. And don't forget the biggest clue... recent avalanches! Especially if they're occurring on the same kind of slope you wanna ride on.
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

More deceptive, not so easy to detect, and even less manageable are avalanches that break to weak layers of snow near the ground. It's what we call deep slabs. Here's a great video illustrating why they're so dangerous. Any avalanche triggered today has the potential to break into weak layers near the ground, producing a large and dangerous slide. Avoid steep wind drifted terrain and you avoid the problem

Unpredictable, dangerous, and triggered on relatively low angle terrain, this recent slide on the Roundy Basin Ridge broke to weak snow near the ground.
weather

The storm is winding down and skies should begin to clear as the day progresses. North and northeast winds will be a nuisance along the high peaks, gusting into the 30's and 40's, but relaxing throughout the day. High temperatures barely reach the low teens and dive to -10 overnight. Clear and warmer for Saturday. Next storm system impacts the area by Sunday morning with bulk of storm continuing into Monday.
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 Saturday Dec. 27, 2014.