Avalanche Advisory
Advisory: Uintas Area Mountains Issued by Craig Gordon for Wednesday - February 25, 2015 - 5:24am
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, especially slopes with an easterly component to their aspect, where you might find a fresh 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

Skies are partly cloudy and temperatures are in the mid teens and low 20's. West and northwest winds increased around 9:00 last night and they've been blowing steadily in the 20's and 30's with a few gusts in the low 40's along the high exposed peaks. While the lack of snow at the trailheads can be a bit discouraging, with a little effort, you'll be rewarded with soft, creamy snow on upper elevation north facing slopes.

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

Woo-hoo... a change in the weather pattern!
recent activity

Very manageable... sluffing in the new snow and a few shallow soft slabs on steep, leeward slopes.
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

For the moment, the avalanche danger is manageable, predictable, and pretty straight forward. However, a series of storms headed our way the next couple of days could change the landscape. In the meantime 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

Clouds are slated to increased today, as the first in a series of weather systems crosses the region. West and northwest winds increase throughout the day with hourly averages in the 30's and 40's, with gusts in the 50's and 60's along the high ridges. High temperatures climb into the upper 20's and low 30's. A couple inches of snow is expected overnight with a better shot developing on Thursday and continuing throughout the day. A break in the pattern for Friday, with a good looking storm evolving for the upcoming weekend.
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 Saturday Feb. 28, 2015.