Avalanche Advisory
Advisory: Uintas Area Mountains Issued by Craig Gordon for Tuesday - April 11, 2017 - 3:34am
bottom line

While making up for a small percentage of the terrain available to ride in today, at and above treeline in the wind zone, pockets of MODERATE avalanche danger exist. Human triggered avalanches are possible on steep, wind drifted, leeward slopes.

In addition, the danger of human triggered wet avalanches increases to MODERATE during the heat of the day, especially on steep, sun-baked slopes at mid and lower elevations.




special announcement

This Sunday, April 16th will be the last of the regularly scheduled western Uinta Advisories
current conditions

A weak system slid through the region last night delivering an inch or two of snow, but this morning skies are clear. Southwest winds increased late yesterday and have continued blowing in the 20's and 30's along the high peaks. In addition, temperatures warmed about 15 degrees from where we were at yesterday at this time and currently register in the 20's. Monday's strong sun and warm temperatures had their way with the weekend storm snow and many slopes are crusty. However, on a go anywhere base, swing over to upper elevation north facing terrain, and I think you'll be rewarded with shallow, cold snow.

Above... 24 hour wind data from Lofty Lake Peak (11,186') and current snow depths at Trial Lake (9,992')

Real time temperatures, snowfall and wind for the western Uintas are found here.

Snowpack observations and trip reports are found here.
recent activity

Pockety, shallow soft slabs breaking up to a foot deep were reported on steep, leeward slopes yesterday.

A full list of 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

I think most of our wind drift issues have probably settled out, but the Uintas are a big place and I bet there's still a rogue drift or two lurking on a steep gully wall or chute, or perhaps on the leeward side of an upper elevation ridgeline. In any case, today you'll want to continue looking for and avoiding any fat, rounded piece of snow, particularly if it feels or sounds hollow like a drum. Also remember... avalanche conditions can change very rapidly this time of year, especially with the strong springtime sun high in the sky. So, if you're hopping from one drainage to another take a moment or two and reassess the conditions before dropping in. And finally, cornices are epically huge and should be avoided.
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

As the day heats up you'll want to get off and out from under steep, sun exposed slopes. Also consider your exit strategy and think about avoiding terrain traps like gullies and road cuts where even a shallow avalanche can stack up deep piles on tree snapping debris.
weather

Mostly sunny skies this morning with temperatures climbing into the 40's. Southwest winds increase into the 30's and 40's as a weak system crosses the area this evening, bringing clouds and a few light showers at best. A warm southerly flow develops Wednesday and becomes stronger Thursday ahead of a cold front that gives us a slight chance of snow showers to end the work 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]

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 Wednesday April 12th.