Avalanche forecast

Skyline

Issued Feb 3, 2021valid to Feb 4, 2021Utah Avalanche Center

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Avalanche danger

Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline

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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The avalanche danger is INCREASING today with strong wind and new snow expected this afternoon.

The danger rating is CONSIDERABLE. Human triggered avalanches remain very likely on upper elevation steep slopes that face west, north, east and southeast.

Avalanche problems

Persistent Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline
Likelihood
Very Likely
Size
2
The skier triggered avalanche on Tuesday clearly demonstrates that the snowpack remains unstable. There is weak faceted basal snow all over but right now the most likely places to trigger an avalanche are exactly places like where the skier chose to ski:

Upper elevations

Slopes that face west, north, east and southeast

Slopes that are approaching 35 degrees in steepness or steeper

If you choose to recreate on slopes with the above components, buried faceted sugary loose snow will be present at the base of the snowpack and you'll be chancing that stuff collapsing and causing an avalanche.

Recent Activity

There was another close call involving a skier on Thursday. He triggered a fairly large avalanche on the northwest slope of the Towhead. He was caught and carried but luckily ended up on top without serious injuries. He submitted an honest, candid and detailed report. DETAILS HERE

Snow and Weather

Current Conditions: Southwest wind increased overnight and is strong this morning with gusts to near 60 along the highest peaks. Overnight temperatures remain very mild with most stations hovering around 30˚F.

Riding conditions are not good. The snowpack remains too punchy in most areas for snowmobilers to travel off the main roads without hitting rocks, stumps or logs. The snow surface is a mix of damp snow in the low and mid elevations with a variety of crusts up high.

Mountain Weather: A storm will move through today bringing a quick shot of snow. The cold front will arive this afternoon bringing the onset of the snow which should continue into tonight. 4 to 7 inches of new snow is expected. Most of the snow will fall this afternoon and evening. Temperatures remain mild this morning then drop into the teens tonight. Southwest wind will be gusty today then veer northwest with the passing of the cold front this afternoon. Weather looks unsettled the next few days with chances for light snow but no real acccumulation expected.