Abajos

An isolated or MODERATE avalanche danger still exists on steep, upper elevation, wind drifted slopes that face the north half of the compass. On these same slopes an isolated possibility exists for an avalanche to fail on a buried persistent weak layer of loose, sugary, faceted snow. Most other terrain has generally LOW danger but with a strong sun this time of year, always be alert to an increasing danger for loose, wet avalanches on sun-exposed slopes. Signs of instability include rollerballs pinwheels and point release sluffs. Get off of and out from under steep slopes that become wet and sloppy.

Spring Awareness Campaign - Help us save lives through avalanche forecasts and education. Consider making a donation before April 8th. We are sad to share the news of two recent avalanche fatalities:

On Wednesday, Trace Carrillo died in an avalanche on Taylor Mountain near Teton Pass. Trace was formerly an intern with the UAC and more recently a wilderness ranger with the Forest Service. Article here. Preliminary report here.

On Friday, Rob Kincaid died in an avalanche just north of Palisades Reservoir near the ID/WY stateline. Rob was well known by many snowmobilers as an athlete for Arctic Cat and veteran of many snowmobile competitions. Article here. Preliminary report here.

More details should be available soon about these tragic events but initial reports are that both men were wearing avalanche transceivers that were not turned on.

January 5, 2019 - Read this collection of 6 stories and a podcast about that day with a low avalanche danger, 8 skier-triggered avalanches, four catch and carries, a partial and critical burial, and a trip to the emergency room.

Weather: A few high clouds are streaming through the area, but today should see mostly sunny skies, increasing southwesterly winds, and high temps in the mid 40's. A weak shortwave tomorrow should bring afternoon clouds and a chance for scattered showers. Mon-Wed looks dry and sunny with the ne.xt closed low off the Pacific coast moving into the area sometime Thursday.

Snowpack: A mixed bag of spring conditions are in effect. Soft, dry snow can still be found on sheltered, shady aspects, and supportable corn-like snow is developing on S-W facing slopes. Isolated, unstable areas of wind drifted snow may still exist on upper elevation, northerly facing slopes. Deeper in the snowpack, a layer of weak, sugary, faceted snow exists. In isolated areas, a triggered wind drift could step down to this buried weak layer causing a deeper and more dangerous avalanche.

Kevin Dressel photo.

NWS Weather Forecast.

Snow totals at Buckboard Flat (8924')

Snow totals at Camp Jackson (8858')

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.

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.

This forecast is from the U.S. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This forecast describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.