Uintas

Today is the last regularly scheduled avalanche forecast for the season. I will be update this page on Monday Apr. 20th with some general information and links to help you navigate through the rest of the spring. Huge thanks to all of you for a great season.

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.

From all of us... to all of you... HUGE THANKS!

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 long running sluffs on sustained, steep slopes like in the image above, no significant avalanche activity to report.

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

Currently-

Clouds thinned out late Saturday and skies remained clear overnight, though temperatures are rather mild this morning, hovering in the mid and upper 20's. Along the high ridges, west and northwest winds are reasonable, blowing just 10-20 mph. Thursday's storm delivered a solid foot of snow across the range, but it took on heat yesterday and nearly all low and mid elevation terrain will have a crust. But don't lose hope... any day on the snow is better than a day spent organizing the garage, so set your sights on upper elevation north facing, wind sheltered slopes where you'll find ribbons of cold, settled snow.

For today-

Mostly sunny skies are on tap for the first half of the day with temperatures climbing into the 40's. Westerly winds remain manageable, blowing in the teens and 20's along the high peaks. A weak storm sliding in from the northwest sparks a round of snow showers late in the day.

Futurecast-

Sunday April 19th will be the last of the regularly scheduled Uinta forecasts.

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 I will be update this page on Monday Apr. 20th with some general information and links to help you navigate through the rest of the spring.

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.