Uintas

Avalanche problems

• 

  Persistent Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Possible

  Size

  4

  This snowmobile triggered slide in the image above from earlier in the week in Upper Moffit Basin, is the type of avalanche dragon we're dealing with. Once initiated, any avalanche that breaks into deeper buried weak layers in the pack will quickly get out of hand.

  We're dealing with a much different avalanche problem than we usually see in the western Uinta's and because of the snowpack structure (strong snow on a thin layer of weak, sugary snow) you don't have to be climbing a slope in order to trigger a large slide. As a matter of fact, with all the recent avalanche activity we're seeing, here's the common theme.... riders are knocking the legs out from underneath the slab and avalanches are getting triggered from low on the slope, in relatively low angle angle terrain. This puts us in a dangerous position on the slope and right in the avalanche cross hairs. So even if we're playing in low angle terrain we need to look around a see if we're connected to steep terrain above or adjacent to where we're riding. We've had multiple near misses and a few close calls this week, and here's the reality.... it's just a matter of time before we run out of luck.

  It doesn't mean we can't ride, but it's tricky out there and here's why. Many steep slopes throughout the range experienced a widespread natural avalanche cycle late last week, but recent snow and wind has filled in much of that evidence. So today it's all gonna look white and that's the challenge. You can ride some slopes without incident (perhaps they already slid) and think you're good to go, while an adjacent slope that remained intact throughout the storm, is just waiting for a trigger like us to roll up and tip the balance.

  Of course you wanna know... "how do we manage an unmanageable avalanche?" Well with all the great riding out there and plenty of alternative options, we simply avoid the terrain where it exists. You know the drill by now.... steep, rocky, wind drifted slopes, especially those facing the north half of the compass.

  This viddy describes our setup.

• 

  Wind Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Possible

  Size

  2

  Recent winds have been all over the place and there's no shortage of snow to blow around and form fresh, stiff drifts along the leeward side of upper elevation ridges and around chutes and gullies. Don't get fooled into thinking today's fresh drifts are the only avalanche dragon you're dealing with. Underneath the new drifts are several layers of old, connected drifts, that once triggered, will break deeper and wider than you might expect. Today you'll want to utilize all the awareness tools in your quiver. Look for obvious clues to unstable snow like shooting cracks out in front of our skis, board, or sled. Also remember to avoid any fat, rounded piece of snow especially if it sounds hollow like a drum. And finally the hugest clue... recent avalanches on the same kind of terrain you want to ride on.

  Remember to look around as you ride today and think, the hugest clue to unstable snow is recent avalanches on the same kind of terrain you want to ride on.