Uintas

The walls aren't caving in... but multiple weak layers exist and avy danger remains tricky-

In mid and upper elevation terrain, you'll find pockets of CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger. While not widespread, human triggered avalanches are LIKELY, especially on steep, rocky, wind drifted slopes facing the north half of the compass. Any slide triggered has the potential to fail on weaker layers of snow, now buried several feet deep. Once initiated, today's avalanches can easily boss you around, will most definitely roll you, and in some cases deliver a season ending blow.

In addition, several weak layers varying in thickness, strength, and deceptive personality lurk in the snowpack. Lower elevation shady slopes, along with sunny aspects near and above treeline is where you'll encounter MODERATE avalanche danger and human triggered slides are POSSIBLE on steep slopes.

Here's your exit strategy-

You wanna avoid avalanches completely? Well, you came to the right place!

The Uintas have plenty of roly-poly, low elevation, low angle terrain, especially slopes facing the south half of the compass where you'll find LOW avalanche danger

We are seeking a passionate individual to join us as Executive Director of the nonprofit Utah Avalanche Center. Click here for more information.

Also... please join the UAC and Inspired Summit Adventures for the grand opening of our new Transceiver Training Park at Pinebrook, Sunday, February 25, from 3:00-6:00PM.

This avalanche in upper Moffit Basin was triggered by the sudden shock of a large cornice crashing onto the slope below. The northeast facing slope in the image above has avalanched several times this season... yup, it's a repeater.

We continue to see a deceptively tricky trend where most terrain is good to go. But steep, rocky, wind loaded slopes where, a thump in the right place or a cornice drop still triggers an avalanche that breaks to old layers of faceted snow near the ground has us steering clear of terrain with these characteristics.

Micheal J found spectacular surface hoar during his travels. MJ's trip report is found here.

I was in Upper Chalk Creek yesterday, stuck to moderately low to mid angle terrain, and found the snowpack very predictable.

For all Uinta observations and recent avalanche activity click HERE.

Nowcast- A big, bright, beautiful Snow Moon looms large overhead while the mercury wraps up the graveyard shift in the mid teens. Winds blowing in the mid 20's from the west, began partying late Friday night and continue in that spirit early this morning. Low elevation snow took a hit from yesterday's strong February sun and most sunny slopes have a heat crust. But don't let your hearts be troubled... on a go-anywhere base, soft, settled snow is found on mid and upper elevation shady slopes.

Forecast- A glorious day is on tap as high pressure takes center stage, delivering nothing but blue skies and temperatures climbing into the mid and upper 30's. Near the high peaks, winds will be a little obnoxious but not too rowdy, blowing in the 20's from the west.

Futurecast- Sunday's high temperatures flirt with the records and Monday ushers in the warm before the storm. A strong cold front slides into the region Monday night into early Tuesday, with the south half of the range initially benefiting. The flow shifts to the northwest Tuesday with a solid shot of snow stacking up throughout the day. I think a foot of snow with nearly 1.5" water by closing bell seems like a good bet.

Our good friends and longtime partners at the City of Salt NWS lay out a timeline for the storm that kicks off the workweek.

The Uinta weather station network was upgraded this summer and all that real-time info is found HERE. Simply click on "western Uinta" tab and then "weather stations" tab.

We are always looking for snow and avalanche observations or just general riding conditions. So... if you see something, say something. You can reach me directly at [email protected] or 801-231-2170. Also, if you're looking for more avy education opportunities for yourself, your crew, or your club please don't hesitate to reach out to me and we'll find a presentation, class, or clinic for ya!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE GENERAL INFO AND FAQ

Issued at 0400 on Saturday, February 24th this forecast will be updated by 0700 Sunday, February 25th, 2024.

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.