Avalanche Advisory
Advisory: Uintas Area Mountains Issued by Craig Gordon for Wednesday - January 21, 2015 - 6:11am
bottom line

At upper elevations in the wind zone a MODERATE avalanche danger exists and human triggered avalanches are possible on steep slopes with recent deposits of wind drifted snow. While not widespread and making up a small portion of the terrain available to ride in, once triggered, avalanches still have potential to break to weak layers near the ground, especially on slopes facing North, Northeast, and East.

All other terrain offers a LOW avalanche danger.




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

A dry cold front sliding through the region last night ushered in clear skies and single digit temperatures. Northerly winds are blowing 15-25 mph along the high ridges. Monday might's trace of snow vastly improved riding conditions and you will still find soft, creamy snow on wind sheltered shady slopes.

Click here for real-time temperatures, snowfall, and winds.

Sunny slopes are a little thin, but swing over to mid elevation shady terrain and you'll find the trip is worth your time investment.

recent activity

Recent winds and fresh snow brought a shallow natural avalanche cycle to the big east facing terrain of Bald Mountain.

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

Recent winds have found enough snow to blow around and form drifts sensitive to the weight of a rider. Though most of the slabs have settled and may not be quite as reactive, there may be a lingering drift or two along the leeward side of upper elevation ridges. While mostly manageable in size and depth, if you're in steep, committing terrain, even a small slide can knock you off your feet or roll your machine.

Ted was able to trigger this fresh wind drift from a safe location on a test slope near Bald Mountain.
More on his travels here.

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

While it's more the exception than the rule, you can still trigger a slide that breaks to weak snow near the ground. Prime suspects are slopes facing North, Northeast, and East at upper elevations and terrain that avalanched during the Solstice storm.

From Saturday, an outlier for sure, but worth the mention. This sled triggered slide in Spring Canyon near Coalville, released after several riders had already climbed the slope. No one was caught or buried, but a good example of the unpredictable nature of persistent slab avalanches.

weather

A cool northerly flow over the region keeps temperatures at bay with highs only rising into the low 20's. North and northwest winds ramp up throughout the day, gusting into the 30's and 40's by days end. Under clear skies, overnight lows dip into the single digits. A slow warming trend is on tap through the weekend. Might be a glimmer of hope for fresh snow by about midweek. Otherwise, no big storms in sight.

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]

Donate to your favorite non-profit –The Utah Avalanche Center. The UAC depends on contributions from users like you to support our work.

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Utah Avalanche Center mobile app - Get your advisory on your iPhone along with great navigation and rescue tools.

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 Jan. 24, 2015.