Avalanche forecast

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Utah Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline
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Out of date — this forecast expired last year. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The avalanche danger is MODERATE in high northerly terrain. Although unlikely, it isn’t out of the question to trigger a dangerous avalanche breaking into old faceted snow.

Otherwise, the avalanche danger is LOW. Look for warming snow at lower elevations and on south-facing slopes that will take on heat from the sun, especially later in the day.

As we continue into spring, stay wary of cornices, as they tend to break when temperatures rise.

Forecast reviewed and approved by Brett Kobernik

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    3

    The chance of triggering an avalanche breaking into old faceted snow is quite low, but not impossible. The snowpack has a memory, and if we think back to a couple of months ago, the weather and snowpack was abnormal. It was thin, faceted, and trapdoor. Since then, conditions have dramatically improved. But, weak, faceted snow might still exist in areas where the snowpack may be a little thinner and more reminiscent of January and February. In those months we were still worried about large, dangerous avalanches.

    To fully steer clear of this problem, avoid very steep, sustained, north facing terrain that could have thin areas underneath the surface. If it looks big, bad, and gnarly that is where a lingering chance of triggering a big, persistent weak layer avalanche still exists.

Snow and Weather

Current Conditions: Overnight, skies were clear and stars were out, accompanied by temperatures in the 20-25°F range. At upper elevations, there was a light breeze from the west.

Yesterday's sunshine left a crust on many slopes, except for higher, shaded areas that remained protected. Here you can still find cold, wintry, snow and great traction. Coverage is quite good so you can still move around and cover terrain quite well.

Photo Above: Brett carving some of the last, winter like conditions, of the year.

Mountain Weather: In case the green grass wasn't a good indicator, spring has sprung, and today's weather will be no different. Expect a beautiful day in the mountains, with temperatures rising into the upper 30's, and possibly even the low 40s, at trailheads, during the heat of the day. Winds will remain light, blowing from the west.

As we move into the week, spring weather will persist, with temperatures rising every day. Late on Monday, into Tuesday, we may see some clouds. As far as significant weather, I don’t see anything on the horizon for this week.

Additional Info

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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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