Avalanche Advisory
Advisory: Uintas Area Mountains Issued by Craig Gordon for Friday - January 13, 2017 - 4:18am
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Heads up... it's game on and this is the real deal. Once triggered, today's avalanches will break deep and wide, resulting in a large, dangerous, and most likely unsurvivable avalanche.

In the wind zone, at and above treeline, the avalanche danger is HIGH today. Very dangerous, human triggered avalanches are LIKELY on steep, wind drifted slopes, especially those facing the north half of the compass, and particularly those with an easterly component to their aspect.

You'll find a CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger on steep wind drifted slopes at mid elevations and human triggered avalanches are PROBABLE.

Avalanche hazard is more predictable at lower elevations where you'll encounter a MODERATE avalanche danger. Don't let your guard down... human triggered avalanches are possible on steep, wind drifted, shady slopes, facing the north half of the compass.

Big open meadows with no steep slopes above or adjacent to where you're traveling are today's exit strategy for safe riding.




current conditions

Under mostly cloudy skies, temperatures are in the teens and lows 20's. Unusual... there's not much new snow to talk about, but an inch or so fell during the day yesterday. Winds are calm even along the high ridges, blowing just 10-15 mph. The surface snow is light and surfy and it doesn't have to be steep to be fun. Five star riding and turning conditions are found on low angle, low elevation slopes, where the snow is deep and avalanche danger predictable.

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

Here's what JG found in Weber Canyon with more details here.

Snowpack observations and trip reports are found here.

recent activity

This is the type of avalanche we're dealing with in the Uintas. Once triggered, avalanches are breaking deep and wide... snapping trees along the way. They're definitely something you don't want to be on the receiving end of!

Images above are at the scene of Wednesday's avalanche accident involving two hybrid snowboarders, who utilized motorized ascent to gain access to this terrain in Smith-Moorehouse. Trent and I investigated the slide and are working on a detailed report. What we do know is two snowboarders are very lucky to be alive after triggering this 4' deep x 300' wide avalanche which broke to weak faceted snow formed in late December.

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

Wind slabs aren't gonna be quite as reactive to our additional weight today, but don't get lured into thinking we're good to go. Once triggered, today's avalanches will appear manageable for just a split second, before they break deeper and wider, quickly getting out of hand. The best way to avoid triggering a slide today is to avoid the problem. Simply steer clear of any fat, rounded pillow of snow and avoid steep, wind drifted terrain. Mid and upper elevation slopes facing the north half of the compass are prime suspects.

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

These are the kind of snowpack conditions that trick most all-mountain riders. You're best bet for the next few days is to simply avoid steep, wind drifted terrain, especially mid and upper elevation slopes facing the north half of the compass.

While I think many slopes experienced a natural avalanche cycle, there's plenty more that wait for a trigger like us to come along and knock the legs out from underneath. Yes... terrain that hasn't avalanched is teetering on the edge. The problem is complicated because the snow will feel strong and bomber under our skis, board, or sled. But here's the deal, we've gotta think not only about the snow we're riding in, but also the snow we're riding on and there's a few buried weak layers that are straining to adjust to all this added weight.


A few of the natural slides seen here in Upper Weber Canyon. Common theme with all the activity we're seeing is avalanches are very connected, breaking 3'-5' deep, entraining a large volume of snow, running long distances, and snapping mature timber as they crash down the slope. Dave Kikkert snapped these images and more of his thoughts are found here. (Kikkert photo)

weather

A few lingering snow showers are on tap this morning, but we should begin to dry out as the day progresses. High temperatures bump into the low 30's and light winds throughout the day are expected. As skies clear tonight temperatures dip into the teens. High pressure builds this weekend giving us mostly sunny skies and warming temperatures.

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 Sunday January 14th.