Avalanche Advisory
Advisory: Uintas Area Mountains Issued by Craig Gordon for Saturday - February 21, 2015 - 5:11am
bottom line

In general the avalanche danger is LOW.

However, above treeline, pockets of MODERATE danger exist along the leeward side of the high ridges, where you might find a manageable wind drift or two sensitive to the weight of a rider.
special announcement

RESEARCH PROJECT ON UNDERSTANDING TRAVEL BEHAVIOR IN AVALANCHE TERRAIN NEEDS YOU!

Scientists from the Snow and Avalanche Lab at Montana State University are seeking more participants for their project examining decision making and travel in avalanche terrain. Their project aims to collect GPS location information (from your smartphone) and survey responses from backcountry skiers and riders to better understand what types of terrain are used and how decisions are made. Their focus is on backcountry skiers and riders of all abilities and experience.

For more information: www.montana.edu/snowscience/tracks For snowmobilers: www.montana.edu/snowscience/sleds

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

Finally, a new coat of white paint! A moist, northwest flow over the region ushered in 5" of medium density snow and it looks like the North Slope was the benefactor. South of Trial Lake, snow totals are closer to 3". In either case we'll take what we can get. Winds are light and northwesterly, blowing just 10-15 mph even along the high peaks. Temperatures are more winter-like too, in the mid teens and low 20's. Not exactly over-the-hood, but riding and turning conditions have dramatically improved in the past 24 hours.

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

No new avalanche activity to report
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

In general the avalanche danger is pretty straight-forward and the little bit of snow we received isn't going to change the landscape much. However, it's not a total no brainer kinda day. Here's a few things to consider-

  • With a "go anywhere" supportable base, if you're getting after it and climbing steep, technical terrain, take a moment, think about the consequences of triggering even a small avalanche, and have an exit strategy planned.
  • There could be a fresh wind drift or two sensitive to the weight of a rider along the leeward side of upper elevation ridges. If winds increase the drifts will become more widespread and sensitive. Lose a little elevation and you'll lose the problem.
weather

Mostly cloudy skies with on again-off again snow showers and an additional 1"-3" of snow throughout the day. West and northwest winds may increase into the 20's and 30's as the day wares on and temperatures climb into the mid 20's. Partly cloudy skies are expected overnight, temperatures dip into the teens, and we might see an additional inch or so before things wind down. Sunday should be a brilliant day to be in the mountains with a few more storms on tap for the upcoming week.
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.

Benefit the Utah Avalanche Center when you buy or sell on ebay - set the Utah Avalanche Center as a favorite non-profit in your ebay account here and click on ebay gives when you buy or sell.  You can choose to have your seller fees donated to the UAC, which doesn't cost you a penny.

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 Sunday Feb. 22, 2015.