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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Expect two very different avalanche problems today-

DRY SNOW AVALANCHES-

In the wind zone at and above treeline you'll find MODERATE avalanche danger. Human triggered DRY SNOW avalanches are POSSIBLE on steep leeward slopes facing the north half of the compass. Limited to a small percentage of the terrain available to ride in today, if you're getting into steep, technical terrain facing the north half of the compass, there may be a rogue drift or two large enough to boss you around.

WET SNOW AVALANCHES-

Nearly all aspects and elevations are damp and the danger for WET SNOW avalanches is MODERATE. Human triggered avalanches are POSSIBLE on all steep, snow covered slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Recent warm temperatures and a bout of midweek greenhousing, shrink-wrapped much of the snow surface, essentially welding it in place. However, with a few inches of snow falling last night, winds strong enough to blow that snow around, and additional snow on tap this morning, there might be a rogue drift or two forming along the leeward side of upper elevation ridges that'll react to our additional weight. If you're getting into steep, technical terrain, look for and avoid any fat, rounded piece of snow, especially if it sounds hollow like a drum. The good news... this is an easy avalanche problem to avoid and you can still have blast by simply steering clear of steep, wind drifted, upper elevation terrain.

    And remember-

    Cornices are ginormous and may break back further than you might expect. You definitely wanna give these large, unpredictable pieces of snow a wide berth and not ruin someones day below by inadvertently knocking a boxcar size piece of snow down on them.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    With a marginal overnight refreeze and damp, fresh snow now insulating yesterday's warm snow surface, wet avalanches are possible on all steep, snow covered slopes. No mystery here, this is a pretty-straight-forward avalanche problem to avoid by simply getting off of and out from under steep slopes, especially if the snow surface you're riding feels saturated, manky, or punchy like a trap door. In addition, you'll want to think about your travel plans and remember to avoid terrain traps like gullies and road cuts where cement-like, bone snapping avalanche debris can stack up very deeply.

Special Announcement

The season is winding down and regularly scheduled daily western Uinta avalanche forecasts will be issued through Sunday April 14th.

Wondering what happens when the forecasting ends?

Well the UAC’s work keeps going strong, of course. Summer is a busy time for the UAC. During the summer we are working hard on our fall and winter planning; putting together the Fall Fundraiser and USAW; updating our awareness and education programs; this summer we will be finishing up the website redesign project. Your donation shows you’re invested in this community all year round! You can still be part of the UAC’s success in 2019. Consider making a donation HERE by April 8.

Recent Activity

No significant avalanche activity to report from yesterday.

Recent trip reports and avy activity found HERE.

Snow and Weather

Skies are mostly cloudy and light snow began falling late last night with just an inch or two stacking up overnight. Be patient... another brief burst of snow is heading our way and should hit the range in the next hour or two. Meanwhile, temperatures are mild, registering in low and mid 30's. After a windy, balmy Friday, southwesterly winds began tapering off around dinnertime and currently blow 15-25 mph along the high peaks. Riding and turning conditions have taken a hard hit this week, but soft, creamy snow is still found on upper elevation wind sheltered slopes.

Above is hourly snow data from Chalk Creek (9,169')

And Lofty Lake Peak (11,186')

To view more regional weather stations click here.

Stunningly phat and white.... the eastern front offer some objectives not seen nor doable for a couple of years.

Additional Info

Snow continues through the morning hours with a few additional inches stacking up. Temperatures cool somewhat, but still remain rather mild, reaching into the upper 30's. Winds veer to the west and northwest as the day progresses, blowing in the teens and mid 20's along the high peaks. A break in the action is slated for Sunday and Monday, with a colder more progressive storm on tap for midweek.

General Announcements

The information in this advisory expires 24 hours after the date and time posted, but will be updated by 7:00 AM Sunday April 7th, 2019.

If you're getting out and about, please let me know what you're seeing especially if you see or trigger and avalanche. I can be reached at [email protected] or 801-231-2170

It's also a good time to set up one of our very popular avalanche awareness classes. Reach out to me and I'll make it happen.

This information does not apply to developed ski areas or highways where avalanche control is normally done. This advisory is from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This advisory describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.

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