Uintas

Normally, I'd be headed to Mexico by now where the only thing separating me from warm, blue water, is an evenly distributed coat of Hawaiian Tropic Tanning Oil... but of course this year is different. Yup, we're sticking closer to home. Will I still get up at 2:30 AM? Of course, only now instead of forecasting I roll right into my home gym. More importantly, I will miss seeing all of you at trailheads, fundraisers, and avy related outreach and education events.But the spring and summer smoke by and soon we'll see each other at the annual Boondockers/Brewvie fundraiser in October.

In the mean-time... I couldn't move in a new direction without thanking a truly awesome cast of characters. Partnerships are huge to the western Uinta forecast program and both the Heber-Kamas and Evanston Ranger Districts are instrumental in supplying field partners and in-kind support. First and foremost is the incredible information we get from Ted Scroggin. He has a lot on his plate, balancing family, life, and work, but still finds the time to get on the snow and submit snow and weather observations that help the accuracy of this program which ultimately save lives. Ted knows the Uinta's like no other and we are grateful to have such a high caliber forecaster on our team. Truth be told.... he is the glue that holds this program together.

In addition, Jason Boyer, Dave Kikkert, Pete Earle, Chris Brown, and Cody Hughes submitted super detailed daily observations and I am deeply grateful to them. Also, John Garofalo's (aka JG) weekly snowpit profiles are simply amazing and Michael Janulaitis' info was top-notch this year! This crew kept my head in the snow when my boots weren't able to make it :)

And finally, I would be remiss if I didn't thank Tyler St. Jeor, Austin Balls, Andy Nassetta, Weston Deutschlander, Big Al, and Eston Kimber who devoted a ton of energy to our sled specific avy awareness classes.

Many thanks to the Park City Powder Cats (PCPC), not only for all the snow and avalanche information and for the great professional dialog during times of heightened avalanche danger, but also for your very generous donations to the UAC. The Powdercats host our sled specific avalanche classes and this year donated a day of cat skiing with proceeds going to the avalanche center. Many thanks to Ron Baldis, Johnny Adolphson, and the rockin' PCPC crew... what a first class operation!

We couldn't get out on the snow without the great support from Polaris and Tri-City Performance, along with Ski Doo and Weller's Recreation. We use these machines to monitor the snowpack across the state of Utah. We also use these machines to teach life-saving classes.

The National Weather Service helped us maintain a total of six weather stations. Many thanks to Sean, Al, and Greg for making this happen.

And of course, thanks to all of you who helped support this program by attending our annual fundraisers and classes and by submitting snow and avalanches observations.

Don't forget to attend the Utah Snow and Avalanche Workshop at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy.

Details to follow throughout the summer and early fall!

Of course, we're still interested in the snowpack. See or trigger an avalanche? Shooting cracks? Hear a collapse? It's simple. Go here to fill out an observation.

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

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

Click here and then on the "western Uinta" tab for western Uinta specific, weather station network.

See ya back here when the snow starts flying!

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.

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.