Avalanche Advisory
Advisory: Uintas Area Mountains Issued by Craig Gordon for Wednesday - December 21, 2016 - 3:45am
bottom line

In the wind zone at upper elevations, the avalanche danger is MODERATE today. Human triggered avalanches are POSSIBLE, especially on steep, wind drifted slopes facing the north half of the compass. Once triggered, today's avalanches have the potential to break deeper and wider than you might expect.

Mid and low elevation wind sheltered terrain offers generally LOW avalanche danger
special announcement


Huge thanks to Weller's Recreation for generously coordinating our great loaner program with BRP/Ski-Doo and helping to provide a new sled to use for the 2016-17 season. We're super grateful to have such amazing partners helping us keep riders on top of the greatest snow on earth.


Bonus... stepping out of Weller's shop in Kamas last night, I got to experience this spectacular sunset.
current conditions

A weak cold front drifted into the region late yesterday, producing clouds and overnight low temperatures in the low to mid 20's. West and southwest winds are blowing 15-25 mph along the high peaks. It was balmy yesterday and low elevation terrain took on some heat. However, gain just a little elevation and you'll be rewarded with light, creamy snow on a mostly supportable base. Riding and turning conditions are about as good as they get.

Real time wind, snow, and temperatures for the Uinta's are found here.

Recent observations are found here.


Ted was in Gold Hill yesterday and found a nice, deep snowpack and mostly stable conditions. More on his travels here.
recent activity


Stomping around in Upper Weber Canyon yesterday, about the only game in town was some shooting cracks on a recently wind loaded slope.

Meanwhile in the Wasatch... two extremely lucky riders came out on top after a very close call in Little Cottonwood Canyon late Monday. (M. Staples photo)

More details found here.

A full list of recent Uinta avalanche activity is 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

No reports of the weird in this department, but I bet there's a pocket or two still lurking out there that just needs a little coaxing. Once it fails... all bets are off. Found mostly on steep, rocky, upper elevation slopes facing the north half of the compass, todays slabs may be harder to initiate, but once triggered, have the potential to break into weak layers now buried deep in our snowpack.
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

Wind drifts along the leeward side of upper elevation ridges and around terrain features like chutes, gullies, and sub-ridges are today's second avalanche issue. While predictably breaking at or below your skis, board, or sled even a shallow slab can get quickly out of hand if it breaks into deeper buried weak layers as it crashes down on the slope below. I'd look for and avoid any fat, rounded piece of snow, especially if it feels or sounds hollow like a drum.
weather

A weak cold front continues to move into the area early this morning and we can expect mostly cloudy skies with a snow flurry or two. Temperatures rise into the upper 20's and west-northwest winds blow in the 20's and 30's along the high peaks. Partly cloudy skies are slated for Thursday with a stronger, wet storm still expected this 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]

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 Thursday December 22nd.