Uintas

I know you're looking for LOW avalanche danger and you came to the right place, because both human triggered and natural avalanches are UNLIKELY on all aspects and all elevations in the western Uinta's today. Remember- low danger isn't no danger which is why we carry avalanche rescue gear, travel with an experienced partner, and only expose one person at a time to potential hazard.

The Uinta's are running a bit lean and mean... yeah, great for muscle definition, but it makes for limited travel. So, while it's quiet, do a little home work the next few days. Parlay your downtime and snap some digi images and catalog the lay of the land and current distribution of snow cover, especially terrain facing the north half of the compass, where snow is growing weak and sugary. Or... while you're taking a lunch break, consider bustin' out your rescue gear and get a few practice drills whilst hanging with your crew.

It's been quiet on the eastern front with no new avalanche activity reported for just over 216 hours, or if you do the day thing... 9 days ago. Trip reports and the latest observations are found HERE.

Nowcast- A band of high clouds drifted into the region overnight, putting a lid on the mercury and keeping temperatures rather balmy, currently registering in the low 30's across the board. Southerly winds begin bumping into the 20's and 30's right around suppertime Monday and continued in that spirit overnight and into the early morning hours.

Forecast- There's a little wiggle of a weak system bumping overhead and that'll deliver a few clouds and a chance for a trace or a couple traces of snow. Temperatures don't vary much from where we're at this morning, but dip into the mid 20's overnight. Southerly winds are gonna be a nuisance, blowing in the 30's along the ridges with a few gusts near 50 mph near the high peaks.

Futurecast- A return to quiet weather through most of the week. But wait... there's more! Computer models offer a promising window for accumulating snow Saturday into Saturday night. I'll track the storm and keep y'all updated as deets materialize!

Riding and turning conditions are a mixed bag with sunnies offering a variety of crusts and generally thin travel. But switch aspect, gain elevation and go visit the high shady's which deliver soft, creamy snow in upper elevation, wind sheltered terrain facing the north half of the compass. So get out of the valley gunk... since any day on the snow is better than a day spent organizing the garage :)

Snow depths at weather stations range from 16-27 inches, but some areas at higher elevations have closer to three feet. South facing slopes have minimal snow that should be damp today. North facing slopes still have soft snow that is surprisingly supportable.

Below is a graph from the NRCS of precipitation at the Trial Lake SNOTEL site which has 24" snow (5.2" water). SNOTEL sites across the Uintas are reporting 60-100% of median values for snow water equivalent (SWE). (Green line = 30-year median, Brown line = last winter, Black line = this winter so far)

We are always looking for snow and avalanche observations or just general riding conditions. So... if you see something, say something. You can reach me directly at [email protected] or 801-231-2170.

Also, if you're looking for more avy education opportunities for yourself, your crew, or your club please don't hesitate to reach out to me and we'll find a presentation, class, or clinic for ya!

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Issued at 04:15 on Tuesday, December 19th this forecast will be updated by 0700 Wednesday, December 20th, 2023.

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.