Most terrain is good to go, but don't let the go-anywhere base trick you into thinking all slopes are bomb dot com-
Not widespread and pockety in nature, expect to find CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger on wind drifted slopes, especially those in the wind zone above treeline. Human triggered avalanches are LIKELY on steep, leeward slopes, particularly those with an easterly component to their aspect. In addition... while becoming more the exception than the rule, steep, rocky, slopes with a shallow snowpack is bulls-eye terrain where you can still trigger an avalanche that breaks to old snow near the ground.
MODERATE avalanche danger exists near treeline on slopes facing the north half of the compass, where winds have swirled, forming stiff slabs. Human triggered avalanches are POSSIBLE on steep slopes with recent deposits of wind drifted snow.
LOW avalanche danger is found below treeline on shady slopes along with most terrain facing the south half of the compass.
Ted was in Gold Hill yesterday and found minor cracking and shallow wind drifts near the ridges.
Days of wind blowing from the south, southwest, and west conspire with recent storm snow to whip up fresh cornice and shallow drifts sensitive to our additional weight. Yesterday, I continued finding fresh drifts predictably breaking in front of my skis... nothing too alarming. Lose the wind, you lose the problem.
Becoming more the exception than the rule, this slide triggered yesterday was initiated from a thin, weak portion of the snowpack
As the snowpack grows deep and more homogeneous, the odds of triggering a dangerous avalanche that breaks to weak snow near the ground diminish. But there's a disclaimer in small print, because we don't trigger scary, dangerous avalanches from deep portions of snow, rather it's from shallow, thin pieces of snow like around rocks or bushes, barely hidden under the snow surface. Whether it's from multiple avalanches or wind scouring, bulls-eye terrain is steep, rocky slopes facing the north half of the compass, especially in the wind zone where the pack has remained thin this year. With so much wind blowing from the south, these slopes may easily have triple the load of storm snow stacking up on them as a result of recent wind loading.
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Four out of five Uinta avalanche forecasters surveyed agree.... in the wind zone you can still trigger a deep, dangerous avalanche from a thin, shallow, rocky portion of the snowpack.
For all Uinta observations and recent avalanche activity click HERE.
Nowcast- A band of thick clouds usher in light snow showers, a couple traces of snow, and cooler air. Overnight lows dipped into the teens and low 20's where they hold steady early this morning. Recent winds blowing from the southwest danced briefly into the 20's and 30's yesterday, but died off at the turn of the new day, registering just 5-10 mph even along the high peaks. Yesterday's strong sun kissed the solars and a titch of green-housing cast its spell on most low, and even some mid elevation polars. But don't let your heart be troubled... spring time weather can be fickle and different from one drainage to another, and I bet there's lots of soft settled snow still found on most mid and upper elevation shady slopes.
Forecast- A weak storm slides into the region today, delivering scattered snow showers and perhaps a few inches of snow. Winds are gonna be light and northerly whilst temperatures climb into the low 30's.
Futurecast- High pressure building Friday dispatches a beautiful weekend with sunny skies and warming temperatures. An active pattern returns next week.
The Uinta weather station network was upgraded this summer and all that real-time info is found HERE. Simply click on "western Uinta" tab and then "weather stations" tab.
We are always looking for snow and avalanche observations or just general riding conditions. So... if you see something, say something. You can reach me directly at [email protected] or 801-231-2170. Also, if you're looking for more avy education opportunities for yourself, your crew, or your club please don't hesitate to reach out to me and we'll find a presentation, class, or clinic for ya!
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Issued at 0400 on Thursday, March 7th this forecast will be updated by 0700 Friday, March 8th, 2024.
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.
