Uintas

Winter solstice and LOW avalanche danger are found in the western Uinta's today, where both human triggered and natural avalanches are UNLIKELY on all aspects and all elevations. Remember- low danger isn't no danger which is why we carry avalanche rescue gear everyday, travel with experienced partners, and only expose one person at a time to potential hazard.

Remember... tread lightly! The pack is white from far, but far from white and there are plenty of hidden treasures barely buried under our thin facade of snow. Getting after it and slamming into an obstacle may result in damage to ourselves, our gear, or even worse... our ego.

It's been quiet on the eastern front with no significant new avalanche activity reported for nearly two weeks. Trip reports and the latest observations are found HERE.

Nowcast- Mild temperatures greet the winter solstice with the mercury hovering in the mid 20's. A few high clouds drift through the Uinta zone early this morning, but by the time you're sipping a warm, morning beverage, I bet clear skies are the norm. Winds blowing from the south barely spin ridgetop anemometers with hourly averages in the teens. Yesterdays little storm delivered a thin coat of white paint... nothing to get too excited about, but a little eye-wash for our mountains none-the-less.

Forecast- A beautiful morning is on tap. High pressure brings dry and mild conditions across the area today with temperatures soaring into the mid and upper 30's. Southerly winds remain well-behaved, though mid and high clouds thicken as the afternoon progresses.

Futurecast- Friday the weather changes gears. A cold front remains on track for Saturday morning... not quite 4-wheel drive and chains weather, but a good shot of snow is slated for the latter half of the day. A little uncertainty on storm totals at the moment. I'm cautiously optimistic 4"-8" blankets our mountains for Christmas Eve.

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. I know it's crazy this time of year. But getting into the mountains and taking a big breathe of fresh air sure does provide a calm, happy place to get grounded for a minute or two.

Mark snapped this image of Gold Hill Tuesday and it's looking like the North Slope could add a few more carbs to its macro nutrients program.

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

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 04:30 on Thursday, December 21st this forecast will be updated by 0700 Friday, December 22nd, 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.