Avalanche forecast

Uintas

Utah Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

In the wind zone, at and above treeline, MODERATE avalanche danger exists in wind drifted terrain facing the north half of the compass. Human triggered avalanches are POSSIBLE, especially on steep leeward slopes, particularly those with an easterly component to its aspect. And remember.... any slide triggered may break deeper and wider than you might expect.

Lose some elevation, you lose the problem, and still have a great day of riding. Wind sheltered mid and low elevation terrain offers generally LOW avalanche danger.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2

    You know the drill.... follow the wind and you'll find the avalanche. Above is wind data form Lofty Lake Peak (11,186') showing recent trends which helped form today's hidden avalanche problem.

    Wednesday nights wind formed stiff, connected drifts along the leeward side of upper elevation ridges and around terrain features like chutes and gullies. Sounds pretty straight-forward and it feels like that's the kinda terrain I wanna avoid. But here's the deal... the range is white, the snow is deep, the riding epic, but adding a curve ball to the equation is that once yesterday's storm arrived and it started snowing, winds backed off and snow fell straight out of the sky, camouflaging recent drifts. But that doesn't mean the problem magically disappears. As a matter of fact, it makes avalanche conditions a bit tricky because it's not like you're gonna see widespread avalanche activity everywhere, so we might get a false sense of "green light" avy danger. However, steep, wind drifted slopes will still react to our additional weight again today.

    The good news is... there's no reason to hide under the beds today and miss out on a great day or riding. But the key to riding safely today is... look for and avoid fat, rounded slopes, especially if they feel or sound hollow like a drum. In addition, be flexible with your travels plans and adjust objectives if you're starting to see or feel obvious clues to unstable snow like shooting cracks, sudden collapses, or the biggest clue to avalanches and of course, that's avalanches!

Special Announcement

UAC operating schedule - We will continue issuing regular avalanche forecasts into mid April.

Spring Awareness Campaign - The UAC counts on donations from the backcountry community. We know these are uncertain times and any donation during our awareness campaign will help us continue providing avalanche forecasting and education.

CDC Guidelines - Even in the backcountry and in parking lots, please follow CDC guidelines like limiting group size and keeping a distance of at least 6 feet from other people to protect yourself and others. Read the guidelines HERE.

Taking risks - Be extra conservative to avoid the risk of accidents which can stress the capacity of our medical system.

Skiing and riding at closed ski resorts - Some resorts allow access now and some do not. Please check HERE for the latest info on ski area access.

New to the backcountry (including riding at closed resorts) - Watch the award-winning, 15 minute Know Before You Go video, or take the 5-part, free online-learning series.

Recent Activity

Triggered yesterday in the wind zone, on a steep slope near the ridgeline just south of Tower Mountain, the slide above broke a bit deeper and wider than expected. This image illustrates the kind of terrain and of course, avalanche dragon we'll want to continue avoiding again today.

To view additional trip reports and recent avalanche activity, simply click here.

Snow and Weather

Currently-

Skies are clear and temperatures crashed into the single digits and low teens overnight, where they register early this morning.... or is it still late last night? In either case, northerly winds blow 10-20 mph along the the high peaks. The recent string of cold, winter-like snowy impulses, shifted south and east last night. And just like Elvis leaving the stadium after the last encore, sure, hearts are broken, but amazing memories of an epic run and nearly two feet of snow are imprinted in our cerebral hard-drives and sunshine replaces the void... oh, and riding and turning conditions remain amazingly good, especially on mid elevation, wind sheltered slopes.

More Uinta weather network info is found here. Simply click on the Western Uinta tab.

For today-

Expect partly cloudy skies, high temperatures climbing into the 20's and low 30's, with northeast winds blowing in the teens along the high ridges. As the day heats up, clouds drift through the region and a snow shower or two slides by.

Futurecast-

Another weak wave moves overhead for Saturday and Sunday, delivering scattered snow showers with highs climbing into the mid 30's.

General Announcements

The information in this forecast expires in 24 hours, but will be updated by 7:00 AM Saturday Mar. 28th.

This forecast is updated daily by 7:00 AM.

In the mean-time, if you see or trigger an avalanche or just wanna let me know what you're seeing you can reach me directly at 801-231-2170

The information in this forecast is from the US Forest Service which is solely responsible for its content.

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