Avalanche Advisory
Advisory: Uintas Area Mountains Issued by Craig Gordon for Monday - January 29, 2018 - 3:49am
bottom line

While not widespread and limited to terrain in the wind zone at and above treeline, the avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE. 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. Once triggered, today's avalanches can quickly get out of hand if they break into weak layers of snow now buried several feet deep in our snowpack.

Mid elevation terrain offers MODERATE avalanche danger and human triggered avalanches are possible on steep leeward slopes with recent deposits of wind drifted snow.

Most wind sheltered mid and low elevation terrain, especially south facing slopes offer generally LOW avalanche danger.
special announcement

Please join me for a current conditions avy presentation this Wednesday at the Kimball Junction Library in PC. I'll talk about the current state of our snowpack and the recent string of human triggered slides. It's guaranteed to be informative, timely, and perhaps even entertaining :)
current conditions

Under clear skies, morning temperatures are in the mid 20's and northwest winds are blowing 15-25 mph along the high ridges. The powder party got crahed by yesterday's moist, humid weather which laid down a thin coat of rime that sounds like champagne glasses breaking as you ride through it. So, it's a mixed bag out there... amongst the recent rime skin and strong winds that blasted our big open bowls, soft settled snow still exists on wind sheltered, mid elevation, shady terrain.

Above are 24 hour temperatures and snow depth from Trial Lake along with winds and temperatures from Windy Peak. More remote Uinta weather stations are found here

Perhaps not a big deal in the long run, but in the short-term the rime crust pictured above definately wrapped a cargo net on the light, fluffy surface snow. (Janulaitus photo)

One of JG's beautifully detailed pit profiles from Weber Canyon. There's also a great body of recent trip reports, observations, and snow data found here.

Trent was near Soapstone yesterday and found a stable snowpack and a brilliant sunset. More on his travels here.
recent activity


The slide pictured above, triggered when a piece of cornice was dropped on, it clearly illustrates how quickly a persistent slab gets out of hand and can easily take you for a body beating, season ending ride through a group of trees.

In addition, my colleagues posted a great, detailed investigation of the Silver Fork Meadows Chutes accident from Friday and that's found HERE. Even though it's a different mountain range, it a solid read and there's lots of similarities to what's going on with our snowpack.
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

Our persistent weakness buried in the midpack isn't in a hurry to heal and recently triggered slides breaking 2'-3' deep, suggest it's still alive and well. Once triggered, like the slab above from midweek, an avalanche breaking into these layers will quickly get out of hand and instantly ruin our day. The most likely suspects are steep, rocky, wind drifted slopes facing north half of the compass. Since this avalanche dragon is unpredictable, the best offense is a good defense... you simply avoid it. Swing around to lower elevation slopes or choose low angle terrain with no steep slopes above or adjacent to the slopes your riding. (Zimmerman-Wall 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

Since Thursday night, winds have been all over the map blowing in the 30's and 40's, forming stiff drifts in upper elevation terrain. I think most of these slabs are a bit tired, worn out, and won't be particularly reactive to our additional weight today. However, the Uinta's are a big range and I bet there's a rogue drift or two waiting for us to come along and test this theory. Found mostly on the leeward side of upper elevation ridges, today you'll want to look for and avoid any fat, rounded piece of snow, especially if it sounds hollow like a drum.

weather

High pressure brings dry and mild weather through Tuesday. Look for sunny skies with temperatures climbing into the low 40's. Winds will be light and westerly, blowing 10-20 mph along the high ridges. A dry cold front crosses the area Tuesday night bringing cooler temperatures but no chance of snow. No storms in sight through the end of the week.
general announcements

The information in this advisory expires 24 hours after the date and time posted, but will be updated by 7:00 AM Tuesday January 30, 2018.

If you're getting out and about, please let me know what you're seeing especially if you see or trigger and avalanche. I can be reached at [email protected] or 801-231-2170

It's also a good time to set up one of our very popular avalanche awareness classes. Reach out to me and I'll make it happen.

This information does not apply to developed ski areas or highways where avalanche control is normally done. This advisory is from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This advisory describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.