Avalanche forecast

Uintas

Utah Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago.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

Highlights

The danger of wet avalanches starts in the LOW category this morning when the snow is hard and frozen and rises to MODERATE danger as the day progresses. As the day heats up, human triggered triggered wet slides and sluffs become possible on steep, sun-baked slopes.

In addition and limited to a small portion of the terrain available to ride in today-

At and above treeline, in the wind zone, pockets of MODERATE avalanche danger exist on wind drifted slopes. Human triggered avalanches are POSSIBLE on steep, leeward slopes facing the north half of the compass, particularly those with an easterly component to its aspect. Any avalanche triggered is gonna pack a punch and could easily ruin your day.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Todays intense sunshine and warm temperatures set their sights on our snowpack, penetrating all aspects and all elevations. The good news is... wet avalanche issues are easy to avoid. If you're feeling like an ant under a magnifying glass, so is the snow. As the day heats up and the snow you're riding becomes damp, manky, or unsupportable, simply switch to a cooler aspect or call it a day and move on to other activities.

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    2

    Breaking 3' deep and a football field wide, the avalanche in the image above was triggered Friday on the steep, heavily wind loaded, northwest facing bowl of Notch Mountain. As noted by the rider.... "I was the third snowmobiler to climb the mountain and I triggered the slide. Avalanche airbag kept my head above the snow." More details found here.

    Not much has changed on this front. The Uinta's are amazing right now... fat, white and filled in. As a matter of fact, we've got a solid snowpack with a go anywhere base, which enables us to get onto big slopes and tag complex terrain. But, as you know, the Uinta's are a big range. And while the vast majority of our terrain is good to go, if you were looking to trigger an avalanche, I bet you could find one. And, recent avalanches near Bald Mountain Pass and Notch Mountain (above), not only illustrate the type of terrain we love to ride in the spring, it's also the type of terrain where we could trigger a slide today.

    So... what to look for and what to avoid?

    Fat, rounded slopes that feel or sound hollow like a drum.

    The most likely suspects are gonna be isolated to the high country... steep, rocky, leeward slopes in the wind zone at and above treeline.

    So, the key to riding safely today is... be flexible with your travel plans and adjust objectives if you're starting to see or feel obvious clues to unstable snow like shooting cracks, sudden collapses, or avalanches with the same terrain characteristics like the slopes you wanna ride. In addition, think about the consequences of triggering a slide, especially if you're getting into steep, technical terrain.

Special Announcement

Spring Awareness Campaign - Help us save lives through avalanche forecasts and education. Consider making a donation before April 8th. 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.

Recent Activity

No significant avalanche activity to report.

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

Snow and Weather

Currently-

Skies are clear and a big, bright, "Super Pink... Super Moon", lights up the sky, casting eerily surreal shadows on the mountains this morning. Westerly winds finally relaxed late Tuesday and are generally light, blowing 10-20 mph along the high ridges. Temperatures cooled overnight and currently register in the low and mid 20's. Recent warm temperatures and nuking winds have taken their toll on riding and turning conditions and soft snow is in limited supply. However, supportable snow surfaces transform into creamy corn-like goodness on sunny slopes as the day progresses.

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

For today-

A beautiful day is on tap with mostly sunny skies, generally light winds, and temperatures warming into the 40's.

Futurecast-

Moisture will work its way into the area from the south on Thursday, bringing a potential for snow to the area with mostly minor accumulations.

Additional Info

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.

General Announcements

The information in this forecast expires in 24 hours, but will be updated by 7:00 AM Thursday Apr. 9th.

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.

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