A MODERATE danger still exists for deep and dangerous, human triggered avalanches failing on a buried persistent weak layer of loose, sugary, faceted snow primarily on slopes facing NW-N-E. Avoid steep, wind drifted slopes and likely trigger points such as steep convexities or shallow snowpack areas near rock outcroppings or sub ridges. If the sun comes out today, look for an increased danger for loose, wet avalanches on sun-exposed slopes. Look for signs of instability such as pinwheels, rollerballs, and point release sluffs, and get off of and out from under steep slopes that become wet and sloppy.
Isolated, unstable wind slabs may still exist in the high country primarily on slopes facing NW-N-E. Most of these wind slabs have stabilized over the past couple of days, but their weight has put additional stress on buried, persistent weak layers. For this reason, it is still a good idea to avoid steep slopes that look fat or wind loaded.
If the sun pokes out today, be alert to an increased danger for wet slide activity. Signs of instability include rollerballs and pinwheels, and actual loose sluffs or point releases. If you observe any of these signs, or if the snow starts to feel wet and sloppy, it's time to get off of and out from under steep, sun-exposed slopes.
Though the odds are decreasing, it is still possible to trigger a deep and dangerous avalanche failing on a persistent weak layer of loose, sugary facets that formed in February. Significant snowfall and strong winds have built slabs 2'-4' deep over top of this weak snow. You are most likely to trigger an avalanche involving this persistent weak layer on steep, wind loaded, north through easterly facing slopes right around treeline, or in shallower, rocky areas in the alpine. Avoid likely trigger points such as steep convexities or thinner snowpack areas around rock outcroppings.
Road Conditions: Expect snow on the upper end with conditions turning muddy and sloppy as the day heats up. 4x4 recommended.
Grooming: Trails have not been groomed.
Spring Awareness Campaign - Help us save lives through avalanche forecasts and education. Consider making a donation before April 8th.
Information on outdoor recreation - The State of Utah created this webpage with information about recreating on both state and federal public lands during the current health crisis.
January 5, 2019 - Read this collection of 6 stories and a podcast about that day with a low avalanche danger, 8 skier triggered avalanches, four catch and carries...a partial and critical burial, and a trip to the emergency room.
24 Hour Snow 0" Weekly Snow 12" Base Depth in Gold Basin 68" Wind SW 15-20 G30 Temp 32F
Wind, temperature, humidity on Pre Laurel Peak (11,700')
Storm totals at Gold Basin Study Plot (10,000').
Snotel site near Geyser Pass Trailhead (9600').
NWS weather forecast
Weather: Yesterday was warm and sunny along with our constant companion - SW winds. They averaged 20 mph for most of the day on Pre Laurel Peak with gusts as high as 35. They'll blow similarly today. A shortwave trough and associated cold front will move through the area this morning bringing some clouds and a chance for snow showers with no real accumulation expected. We should see partly sunny skies later in the day with high temps in the mid 30's. Another weak wave should begin to produce clouds late Friday followed by a dry and mostly sunny weekend. For next week, we'll have our eye on another Pacific low sliding down the west coast.
Snowpack: Maggie Nielsen was up yesterday and she reported a mixed bag of spring conditions with supportable, developing corn snow on sunny aspects.In spite of the winds, there was little snow available for transport, but she did note evidence of previous wind loading and cornices on northerly aspects. Read her observation here.
After a long dry spell in February, March saw significant snowfall, generally accompanied by strong southerly winds. Accumulating and wind drifted snow piled up on top of loose, sugary, facets that developed in February. This combination produced both natural and human triggered avalanches from 1'-4' deep. Overloaded, weak faceted snow still exists on northerly facing slopes right around treeline and below. Alpine areas generally have a deeper and stronger snowpack, especially out in the middle of concave bowls. However, slope margins, wind-swept areas, and areas right around rocks, cliffs, or sub-ridges have a much thinner snowpack and these areas remain likely trigger points for deep and dangerous avalanches.
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.
Check out the avalanche beacon training park at the Geyser Pass Trailhead and practice your rescue skills!
This forecast is from the U.S. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This forecast describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.
