Avalanche forecast

Uintas

Utah Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
No rating
Treeline
No rating
Below
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

A robust looking storm is on tap for later this week and the avalanche danger will rise as the storm materializes. In the meantime though, there's just barely enough snow to move around on and you'd really have to go out of your way to trigger a slide. However, it's not out of the question as recent strong winds created stiff drifts on the leeward side of the highest terrain which may react to our additional weight. And remember... even a small avalanche this time of year will reveal a myriad of season ending obstacles. So, if you're hiking, hunting, snowshoeing or out for a high elevation peak bagging circuit you'll want to look for and avoid any steep, wind drifted slope.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Recent field trips and observations confirm our suspicions, the endless string of clear, cool nights has outdone any warmth during the day. Unfortunately, the snowpack is taking a hard hit. In fact, on some high elevation shady slopes, the snow has grown so weak and sugary just moving around on it offers a challenge unto itself... sorta like wallowing in a sandbox. Not a problem now, but once it starts snowing again... heads up!

    Today's avy danger is pretty straight-forward and you'd really have to go out of your way to trigger a slide. The bad news is... even a small wind drift along the leeward side of an upper elevation ridge can easily knock you off your feet and take you for a nasty ride through rocks, deadfall, or stumps.

    And remember- just 'cause you can see it from the road doesn't means it's good to go. Our high mountain passes dump us off in avalanche terrain. I think about early season roadside attractions like Murdock Bowl off the Mirror Lake Highway or Wolf Creek Bowl near highway 35 and Wolf Creek Pass. Easy grabs... right? Even though it might not seem like there's enough snow to avalanche, today you'll want to avoid any steep, wind drifted slope.

Special Announcement

Huge thanks to Young Powersports of Bountiful for their continued partnership and support this year by providing two sweet loaner sleds to the UAC this winter. Their commitment to avalanche forecasting, outreach, and education is unparalleled and we deeply appreciate their support.

Also... it's Avalanche Week and there's a ton of great events going on throughout the state. Click HERE to find something near you!

Recent Activity

No recent avalanche activity to report, but Ryan Shea visited Murdock Bowl yesterday and submitted his snowpit profile with the comment, "Pit showed many layers of faceted snow and crusts, none of which were reactive in tests... skin and boot up showed mostly faceted snow from the ground up with some layers of harder snow, all of which could be penetrated to the ground during booting and made skinning a bit more difficult." Ryan's take on the snowpack and outstanding observation is found HERE.

Observations, trip reports, and avalanches found here.

Snow and Weather

NOWCAST-

Yesterday's storm brought cooler temperatures and gusty winds, along with an angry inch of snow to the high country. This morning, skies are partly cloudy, temperatures register in the teens and low 20's, while west-southwest winds blow 15-25 mph along the high peaks. Riding and turning options are limited to road rides and rock free, low angle meadows.

FORECAST-

Look for partly cloudy skies with temperatures rising into the low 30's. Winds remain reasonable, blowing in the mid 20's along the high peaks.

FUTURECAST-

The main event is still on tap for later this week. Clouds increase on Wednesday with snow developing overnight. The storm kicks in Thursday but really really gets going Thursday night into Friday as cold, moist air slams into the state. Should be a good storm by the time things wind down on Saturday. A foot of snow looks like a solid bet.

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

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

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Additional Info

I'll refresh this forecast as this weeks storm gels together and then we'll be delivering regularly scheduled updates once winter arrives in earnest.

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

The information in this forecast expires 24 hours after the day and time posted, but will be updated periodically this week.

I will update this forecast as conditions change and then once winter kicks you can expect the usual daily forecasts issued by 07:00... or perhaps earlier :)

Before it gets too crazy, now is the time to book an avalanche awareness presentation for your group, club, or posse. 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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