Uintas

Today's avalanche hazard is pretty straightforward and easily managed with terrain choices-

While the avalanche danger is generally LOW across the range, there are isolated places where you could trigger an old wind drift, especially in steep, rocky terrain above treeline in the wind zone. And here's something to consider... if you're getting into steep, technical terrain, even a small slide can knock you off your ride, slam you into a tree, and throw a curve ball at your day.

Also, the snowpack is locked in place and the danger of wet avalanches should remain in the LOW category. However, if the snow you're riding on becomes damp or unsupportable, simply switch to a cooler aspect.

The Avalanche Research Program at Simon Fraser University is conducting an online survey to examine how people use avalanche safety information. They want to hear from all backcountry users to understand how they process information provided in public avalanche forecasts. Anyone who completes the survey before May 15th will be entered to win cash prizes. Uncertainty, Risk, & Decision Making: before, during, and after COVID-19 - Read this thought-provoking blog post about how we take risks by guest author Tom Diegel.

Other than a few shallow, damp sluffs on sustained steep slopes, I've found the snowpack rather well-behaved and straight-forward. However, all it takes is one rowdy snowball in the mosh pit to get things going.

To view additional trip reports and recent avalanche activity, simply click here.

Currently-

Under partly cloudy skies, temperatures hover in the low 20's, and west-northwest winds blow 10-20 mph along the high peaks. Riding and turning conditions are aspect and elevation dependent. Upper elevation, wind sheltered, north facing slopes still harbor a few elusive ribbons of cold, chalky snow. However, more reliable and consistently supportable corn surfaces exist on mid elevation terrain facing the south half of the compass. Of course, timing is everything and the harvest reliably begins on east facing slopes right around 09:00.

Uinta weather network info is found here. Simply click on the Western Uinta tab.

For today-

After a sunny start to the day with highs climbing into 40's, clouds thicken and west-northwest winds become gusty by dinnertime as a strong, but mostly dry, cold front slams into the region. Behind the cold front, temperatures quickly crash by about 15 degrees and we should see a light dusting of snow.

Futurecast-

Sunday starts off cloudy and cold, but skies clear throughout the day, though high temperatures are slow to rebound out of the teens and low 20's.

Information on outdoor recreation - The State of Utah created this webpage with information about recreating on both state and federal public lands during the current health crisis.

Skiing and riding at closed ski resorts - Some resorts allow access now, and some do not. Please check HERE for the latest info on ski area access.

New to the backcountry (including riding at closed resorts) - Watch the award-winning, 15 minute Know Before You Go video, or take the 5-part, free online-learning series.

The information in this forecast expires in 24 hours, but will be updated by 7:00 AM Sunday Apr. 12th.

This forecast is updated daily by 7:00 AM.

In the mean-time, 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

The information in this forecast is from the US Forest Service which is solely responsible for its content.