Avalanche forecast

Skyline

Issued Feb 5, 2021valid to Feb 6, 2021Utah Avalanche Center

Avalanche danger

Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline

Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago.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

Highlights

The avalanche danger remains CONSIDERABLE today. Human triggered avalanches are likely on steep upper elevation slopes especially where fresh drifts have formed. Keep in mind:

Avalanches can be triggered from a distance so be aware of what is above you.
Tracks on a slope don't mean it is safe. It could still avalanche on you.

To stay safe, avoid being on or below slopes steeper than about 30 degrees in steepness.

Avalanche problems

Persistent Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline
Likelihood
Very Likely
Size
2
The base of the snowpack consists of a persistent weak layer of loose faceted (sugary) snow. A number of layers have been added on top of the weak snow. Imagine a building with a weak foundation but we keep adding additional floors on top - eventually the whole structure will collapse. Every slope has the weak foundation. What is different is how many floors are on top of it.

There have been a number of natural and human triggered avalanches because the weak loose snow collapses. This situation is going to continue for the foreseeable future. This is why these loose faceted crystals are known as a Persistent Weak Layer. The problem can persist for a long time.

What's tricky - the first person to ride on or even near a slope may not trigger it. Instead, it may be the 2nd, 3rd, or even 10th person on a slope who triggers it. Seeing tracks on slope doesn't mean it's safe. Also, typical with this buried faceted snow, a person can trigger avalanches from a distance.

Snow and Weather

Current Conditions: The wind was a bit gustier on Thursday than I anticipated. It blew snow around in the higher elevations and you'll find lots of fresh drifts today. Temperatures are fairly chilly with most stations in the low teens. Riding conditions are hit or miss. A few places have supportable conditions with some nice fresh powder. Other places are unsupportable and you sink deep into the snowpack. Yet other locations are almost bullet proof under the small amount of new snow. Variable is a good word for the current conditions.

Mountain Weather: We'll see clouds today with the chance for snow this afternoon and evening. 2 to 4 inches of new snow is possible. Wind is going to be in the moderate speed range and may increase a bit late today. It'll be a bit breezy along the higher terrain. Temperatures will remain in the low teens.