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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Last night's marginal refreeze increases the danger of wet avalanches

For today-

The surface snow is superficially locked in place this morning, but as temperatures soar the danger of wet avalanches increases to MODERATE on all slopes. As the day wares on human triggered avalanches are POSSIBLE on steep, sun-baked slopes, especially during the heat of the day. Avalanches may break to the ground in steep, rocky terrain or on slopes that avalanched earlier this season and now have a thin, shallow snowpack. In either case, if the snow you're riding on becomes damp or unsupportable, swing over to a cooler aspect. Or... if the bottom is falling out, simply call it a day.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2

    A few considerations for today...

    Wet snow avalanches-

    While the pack experienced a deep, solid refreeze earlier this week, the fact is the heat is on and with just a superficial overnight refreeze the bottom is gonna start to fall out. And while to snow in upper elevations should remain supportable, think about your exit strategy and remember to avoid terrain traps like road cuts and gullies where heavy, cement-like, tree snapping snow can stack up very deeply. Should the snow you're riding on become damp, manky, or unsupportable, simply switch to a cooler aspect or call it a day and move on to other activities.

Special Announcement

Today, April 4th, is the last of our regularly scheduled forecasts for the western Uinta Mountains. I'll update this page with some general tips and links tomorrow to help you can navigate your way through the spring.

Thank you to everyone who helped make our Spring Campaign a huge success. We are grateful for your donations and what they will allow us to accomplish next season. We look forward to continuing to serve you with our forecasting, education, and awareness programs in new and exciting ways.

Recent Activity

Weston Shirey putting the booter in to access high alpine terrain around the Crystal Lake zone Friday. He reports.... "Overall we saw about 6" of damp or corn snow sliding on a very hard crust layer just below, while roller balls and active wet loose slides were easy to ski cut on steep south terrain."

You can find a great trip report HERE.

Observations, trip reports, and avalanches found here.

Snow and Weather

Nowcast-

High clouds drifted into the region overnight, keeping the lid on temperatures which currently register in the mid to upper 30's. Southwest winds increased right around midnight and are blowing in the 20's and 30's along the high peaks. With a marginal refreeze and continued warm temperatures on tap the snowpack has a compressed shelf-life today, so you'll have to get on it early. And remember- the key to a productive corn harvest is to follow the sun, tagging the snow as it warms and becomes more user friendly, but knowing when it's time to leave before the bottom falls out. And while it's not quite like slack-lining, it is a curious balancing act.

Forecast-

High pressure homesteads over the area one more day delivering sunny skies with temperatures quickly climbing into the low to mid 60's later this afternoon. Southwest winds blow in the 20's and 30's along the high ridges, but start to ramp up late in the day.

Futurecast-

A weak storm storm system slides through the range Monday into Tuesday, delivering cooler temperatures and a light snow shower or two.

Looking for real-time temps, snow, or wind?

Click HERE and then on the "western Uinta" tab for western Uinta specific, weather station network.

Additional Info

Yes there's snow up high, but getting to it is becoming an exercise in patience.

I will update this forecast with general information tomorrow, Monday, April 5th.

Your observations are important, so please let me know what you're seeing... click HERE and contribute to this amazing community based program

General Announcements

If you see or trigger an avalanche or just wanna let me know what you're seeing you can reach me directly at 801-231-2170 or [email protected]

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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