Avalanche forecast

Skyline

Utah Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline
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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The avalanche danger is MODERATE on steep slopes above 9500 feet that face NW, N, NE, and E. Human-triggered avalanches that break to the ground are possible in this terrain. The chances of triggering something are not all that likely. The avalanches themselves are not expected to be all that large. That said, faceted snow is unpredictable and often does things we don't anticipate. It is not wise to bet your life that a slope will stay in place when there are layers of loose facets buried in the snowpack. That is what we currently have.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2

    Human-triggered avalanches are possible today. I don't think it's all that likely, and the avalanches should be small, but personally, I have a zero tolerance policy for layers of buried facets. While I don't think there is a huge threat out there today, you won't find me on steep upper elevation northerly facing slopes today. Facets are unpredictable and I don't think any of our forecasters expected such a large avalanche as was triggered in the La Sals on Friday.

Recent Activity

There have been no avalanches seen or reported this year yet on the Skyline. However, yesterday, a MASSIVE avalanche was triggered by snowmobilers in Dark Canyon of the La Sal Mountains. One rider was caught, carried, and at least partially buried. It appears his sled was fully buried. This EASILY could've been the first fatality of the season.

The snowpack in the La Sals has some similarities to the Skyline snowpack. They are both overall very shallow and both have loose sugary facets near the ground. We'll have more details on this avalanche after our forecasters visit the area today.

Photo below: Very large sled triggered avalanche in the La Sals

Snow and Weather

General Conditions: Temperatures were cold on Friday, just barely getting out of the single digits for an hour or two. Wind has been generally light with some moderate speeds along the more exposed terrain. Riding conditions are pretty decent right now. You will find areas where the wind has affected the new snow but there are lots of areas that have undisturbed powder conditions. Keep in mind that the snowpack remains very shallow. There is only about 2 to 3 feet total snow depth across the range.

Mountain Weather: We'll have mostly clear skies today with temperatures rebounding into the low to mid 20s. Wind will be light to moderate in speed from the north. Sunday looks similar with warmer temperatures. The longer term looks bleak with a ridge of high pressure once again taking a stranglehold on the western US. Weather models literally show zero chances for snow in our area for the next two weeks.

Additional Info

SKYLINE AVALANCHES & OBSERVATIONS

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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.

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