Avalanche forecast

Skyline

Issued Jan 28, 2024valid to Jan 29, 2024Utah Avalanche Center

Avalanche danger

Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline

Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The avalanche danger is rated CONSIDERABLE on steep slopes in the mid and upper elevations that face west, north and east.

There is still very weak snow at the base of the snowpack and it is still collapsing.

There is less danger in lower elevations as well as on southerly facing slopes.

Avalanche problems

Persistent Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline
Likelihood
Possible
Size
4
There were no human triggered avalanches reported from Saturday. Good news.

The bad news is the base of the snowpack is still absolutely rotten. The loose sugary facets have not gained much strength especially in areas where the snowpack is shallower. I continue to get reports of collapsing or "whumpfing" of the snowpack. Snowpit test results remain poor.

Here's the deal. The chances for triggering an avalanche are becoming less and less for now especially in areas where the snowpack is deeper. You'll see tracks where people have ridden in steep terrain and it didn't avalanche. Lucky choice is all that is. Until we see the loose snow at the base gain some strength, all bets are off for me.

For a recap of how the season has progressed up to this point, check out the SEASONAL SNOWPACK SUMMARY.

General Announcements

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.

Special Announcement

MOTORIZED BACKCOUNTRY 101 AVALANCHE CLASS

One evening of online presentations, one full day out in the backcountry with instructors.

You'll learn all the basics of rescue and how to read the snow and make good decisions in avalanche terrain.

Hosted by the Utah Avalanche Center

Feb 2nd and 3rd - MORE DETAILS HERE

Snow and Weather

Current Conditions: What a gorgeous day Saturday was. Sunny, temperatures up into the mid 30s and light wind. Temperatures cooled into the mid 20s overnight. Riding conditions remain pretty decent considering we really haven't had that much snow this past week. Mountain Weather: High pressure will dominate through Wednesday. We'll see plenty of sun with temperatures pushing 40 degrees in the high country. Wind will be generally light from the northwest. Weather models indicate a more stormy pattern starting Friday, but how potent those storms will be is yet to be determined.