Uintas

Although it was a bit quirky, the winter did finally come around, delivering average snow and water totals. But, well beyond average is my gratitude to you! Ginormous thanks to all of you for your trust, your support, and for helping us spread the avalanche gospel. 'Cause without you.... there is no us!

Yeah, it's Spring... (the fight between summer and winter :) which generally offers a trifecta of avalanche problems:

1. Wet Snow: Wet loose avalanches, wet slab avalanches, and lastly glide avalanches.

2. New Snow: New storm snow instability as soft, storm slab avalanches and dry, loose avalanches.

3. Wind Drifted Snow: Wind slabs - soft or hard wind drifts.

We've wrapped up avalanche forecasting for the winter, and soon, the only thing separating my skin from warm, blue-ish, Sea of Cortez salt water will be an evenly distributed layer of Hawaiian Tropic Tanning Oil. However, I couldn't leave without thanking a truly awesome cast of characters. First and foremost... huge thanks go out to my partner in crime, though we are not criminals, Andrew Nasetta, for all the hard work, determination, and devotion to the avy forecasting art form. Andy not only made it through his freshman year of forecasting without any speed bumps, he breezed through the winter with a 4.0 GPA. ( By comparison it took me nearly four years to complete my freshman year of High School and I clawed my way through every minute of it :)

In addition, we are super stoked to have Joey Manship contributing avy forecasts, fieldwork, outreach, and avy education to the eastern front. We're looking forward to having him play an important role in the future of the western Uinta program.

And finally, I would be remiss if I didn't include the incredible information we get from Ted Scroggin. He came out of retirement to get on the snow this winter and submit snow and weather observations that help the accuracy of this program. Ted knows the Uinta's like no other and we are grateful to have such a high caliber forecaster on our team.

Thanks men... well played. You truly are the glue that holds this program together and your dedication and commitment ultimately saves lives!

We know partnerships are huge to the western Uinta advisory program and both the Heber-Kamas and Evanston Ranger Districts are instrumental in supplying field partners and in-kind support.

In addition, many thanks to the Park City Powder Cats (PCPC), not only for all the snow and avalanche information and for the great professional dialog during times of heightened avalanche danger (much respect to Dave, Bo, Andy... wearing his other beenie, Trevor, and Jason), but also for your very generous contirbutions to the UAC. The Powdercats donated one day of cat skiing with proceeds going to the avalanche center. Wow... a rockin' PCPC crew and a first class operation for sure!

Regular Uinta avalanche forecasts have ended. But don't let your heart be troubled, we will continue posting observations and avalanches, so please keep those letters and cards coming, and please submit your observations as you get out and about in the mountains.

Top to bottom product testing, the next generation of avy forecasters Andy Nassetta and Joey Manship are truly first rate snow craftsman! I'm grateful for their conversations and deep dives, which make me a better forecaster, helping me understand the art of snow and this amazing white paint world we work in.

Check out all travel obs, avalanches, and more from the eastern front and across the state, HERE!

Salt Lake's National Weather Service is a great source for weather updates.

Uinta weather station network info is found HERE. Simply click on "western Uinta" tab and then "weather stations" tab.

Under the rock solid direction and guidance of Paige Pagnucco and Caroline Miller, whilst surrounded by an amazing cast of characters, I'm truly blessed to work with such an remarkable team!

A huge shout out to Ski-Doo for getting us out into the hills to help us complete our work, and do a little product testing on the way! The Uinta's are a remote range, and snow machine is nearly the only way to get around. We could not do it without their support, machines, and stoke in our work and mission at the UAC -- You rock, Ski-Doo!

We are always looking for snow and avalanche observations or just general riding conditions. In the meantime reach out to us with questions, concerns, or if you see anything in your travels! Contact us directly through the info below:

• Craig Gordon [email protected] 801-231-2170.
• Andrew Nassetta [email protected] 860-460-8142.

This forecast is from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This forecast describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur. Issued on Monday, April 14th this forecast will be updated when the snow begins flying again!