Avalanche Advisory
Advisory: Uintas Area Mountains Issued by Craig Gordon for Thursday - February 25, 2016 - 4:03am
bottom line

While the avalanche danger is generally LOW, pockets of MODERATE avalanche danger exist on steep, leeward slopes in the wind zone, at and above treeline. Yes, it's becoming more the exception than the rule, but any avalanche that fails on weak, sugary snow near the ground, has the potential to break deeper and wider than you might expect.

The danger of wet sluffs and slides increases to MODERATE on steep sunny slopes and human triggered avalanches are possible with daytime heating.




special announcement

Thursday 2/25 - Utah Adventure Journal presents adventure photographer Jim Harris at Snowbird's Wildflower Lounge. More Details Here.

Check out our Garage Sale! Chock full of sweet backcountry gear - you can find the goods on our Facebook page here.

current conditions

Skies are clear, winds light and variable, and temperatures in the upper teens and low 20's. Sunny slopes have taken on some heat and will be crusted this morning. However, flip over to the north half of the compass and you'll still find soft, settled powder on a go anywhere base.

Ted caught this great sundog image late yesterday while investigating a slide in the Gold Hill Basin. (Scroggin photo)

Uinta weather station network info is found here.

Trip reports and observations are found here.

recent activity

Ted was in Gold Hill Basin yesterday and discovered this sled triggered slab from Saturday. Check out Ted's great write-up and very informative video here.

Recent avalanche observations are found here

See or trigger an avalanche? Shooting cracks? Hear a collapse? It's simple. Go here to fill out an observation.

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

A few old wind drifts are found on steep leeward slopes in the wind zone. Remember- if you're travels take you into radical, unforgiving terrain, think about the consequences and keep in mind, even a small slide can easily boss you around.

While it's becoming more the exception than the rule, any avalanche that fails on weak, sugary snow near the ground, has the potential to break deeper and wider than you might expect. Here's another pic Ted snapped from Gold Hill yesterday. (Scroggin photo)

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

Sunny slopes will take on heat today and the danger of wet slides and sluffs increases as the day wares on. This type of avalanche dragon is easy to avoid... simply get off of and out from under steep sunny slopes during the heat of the day.

weather

Another beautiful day is on tap. Look for mostly sunny skies with temperatures climbing into the mid and upper 30's, with overnight lows in the mid 20's. Friday looks similar, and then a weak system is slated for Saturday. Strong southwest winds usher the storm into our region and a brief period of light snow showers is expected Saturday afternoon before diminishing during the evening.

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 If Craig is unavailable you can reach his partner Trent at 801-455-7239, email [email protected] 

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]. To register for the first in our series of on-the-snow sled specific classes you can register here.

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.

The information in this advisory expires 24 hours after the date and time posted, but will be updated by 7:00 AM on Friday, February 26th.