Provo

Lawinenprobleme

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  Persistent Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Hochgebirge
  • Waldgrenze
  • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze

  Wahrscheinlichkeit

  Likely

  Größe

  3

  A variety pack of buried persistent weak layersare variable and make for a complex problem. Thinner, rockier spots, and areas that avalanched earlier in the season are more likely to be places where you could trigger an avalanche failing on a buried layer of facets. These facets near the ground were responsible for the recent avalanche on Ant Knolls in the Northern Provo Region. If you hear any signs of collapsing at any elevation or aspect then find a lower angle slope to travel on or underneath. We are not done with this buried persistent weak layer yet and as much as the mindset in late February typically turns to open-season, it's not that type of season. Give this snowpack some time to settle into its spring coat.

  Video (Champion and Hardesty) discussing the recent rider triggered persistent weak layer avalanche from Ant Knolls.

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  Loose Wet

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Hochgebirge
  • Waldgrenze
  • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze

  Wahrscheinlichkeit

  Likely

  Größe

  4

  Many weather stations have had no refreeze in almost two days. The snowpack in the mid and lower elevation terrain out of the wind zone may be saturated and the chance of triggering a gouging wet snow avalanche will increase with warming temperatures. Areas with long run out zones where avalanches could start as dry snow avalanches and turn into wet snow avalanches may overrun the snow line and people not traveling in starting zones could be susceptible to avalanches. Avoid being underneath avalanche terrain on mid and lower elevation slopes, particularly during the heat of the day.

  Photo (Woody UDOT) showing wet slab avalanches in the Provo Region

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  Wind Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Hochgebirge
  • Waldgrenze
  • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze

  Wahrscheinlichkeit

  Possible

  Größe

  2

  With increased wind speeds overnight and throughout the day today, there will be drifting snow in mid and higher elevation terrain. Look for and avoid slopes with overhanging cornices and smooth rounded deposits of snow. If you see signs such as cracking and collapsing within the wind-drifted snow then you may be able to trigger avalanches in steep terrain (greater than 30°). Any slope involving wind-drifted snow on a buried layer of facets will be deeper and more likely to bury a human.