Bollettino valanghe

Uintas

Utah Avalanche Center
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Pericolo valanghe

  • Alta quota
  • Limite del bosco
  • Sotto il limite del bosco
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Non aggiornato — questo bollettino è scaduto 5 years ago. Stai vedendo condizioni passate, non il bollettino in corso.

In sintesi

While not widespread, today you'll find CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger above treeline in upper elevation terrain, especially in the wind zone. Human triggered avalanches are LIKELY, particularly on steep, wind drifted slopes and especially in terrain with an easterly component to its aspect. Remember- any avalanche that breaks to weak layers of snow near the ground will result in a deep, dangerous avalanche that'll instantly ruin your day.

On steep, mid elevation slopes near treeline, the avalanche danger is MODERATE and large, human triggered avalanches are still POSSIBLE but the chances are diminishing.

Below treeline the avalanche danger is LOW and human triggered avalanches are UNLIKELY. Low danger does not mean "no danger". Avalanches can still happen which is why we always carry avalanche rescue gear and expose only one person at a time to avalanche terrain. To avoid avalanches completely, take advantage of all the terrain in the Uintas that is less than 30 degrees in steepness where avalanches don't happen.

Problemi valanghivi

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Possible
    Dimensione
    4

    Mark describes our snowpack setup in the viddy above

    Throughout the Uinta Mountains, there is a slab 2'-5' thick resting on a persistent weak layer (PWL) of facets about a foot above the ground.... think strong snow on weak snow. The PWL exists on most slopes except those facing due south and southwest.

    Avalanche conditions remain deceptively tricky and here's why-

    First- it's low probability/high consequence. What we know is that if we do trigger a slide, it can break 2-5 feet deep and hundreds or even thousands of feet wide and it'll be unsurvivable. Unfortunately, we don't know the exact probability of triggering an avalanche on this weak layer but it has decreased somewhat since the big Valentines storm.

    Second- with such a supportable slab on top of this weak layer, a slope may have many sets of tracks on it and still slide if someone hits a thin spot in the snowpack. You can guess where thin spots exist, but you never really know because they can be near a rock or bush hidden under the snow, like in the image above.

    What to do? Unfortunately it's just a season with a dangerous snowpack. There's no way around that fact, and the key to longevity is avoiding all big, open slopes steeper than 30 degrees. Slopes above treeline, especially those with recent deposits of wind drifted snow are most dangerous. Triggering a slide on slopes near treeline remains possible.

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Possible
    Dimensione
    2

    You'd really have to go out of your way to find a wind drift these days, but the Uinta's are a big range and I bet there's a shallow, old, drift or two that'll react to our additional weight. Found mostly on the leeward side of upper elevation ridges, be on lookout for fresh drifts around terrain feature like chutes and gullies. In any case, today you'll want to look for and avoid any fat, rounded piece of snow, especially if it looks chalky or feels hollow and sounds like a drum. And remember- once triggered, even a small wind drift can quickly get out of hand, especially if it crashes down the slope and breaks into deeper buried weak layers.

    Lose the wind and you lose the problem... simply lose some elevation and steer towards wind sheltered terrain where you'll be rewarded with great riding and more predictable avalanche danger.

Special Announcement

Please watch this video from last Saturday's fatal avalanche near Preston, ID which includes video footage from the time of the accident. Read the preliminary report HERE.

Recent Activity

Yesterday, I visited a significant avalanche in the Upper Humpy Drainage which broke 4'-6' deep and was initiated with explosives.

More obs, trip reports, and avalanches found here.

Snow and Weather

Nowcast-

High pressure centers over the region this morning and temperatures register in the upper teens and mid 20's. Southwest winds remained relatively clam overnight, but bumped into the mid 20's right around 01:00 this morning. No new snow to report and the sun is taking its toll on lower elevation sunny slopes. But fret not... with a little hunting you'll easily find soft, creamy snow on mid and upper elevation wind sheltered slopes.

Forecast-

A beautiful spring day is on tap with bright sunshine and temperatures warming into the upper 30's. Southerly winds remain reasonable, blowing in the 20's along the high peaks. Overnight lows dip into the low 20's.

Futurecast-

Similar weather is on tap for Wednesday and a storm slated to move into the state effects mainly centeral and southern Utah.

Looking for real-time temps, snow, or wind?

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

Additional Info

No matter how you cut it, yes... it has been dry!

I will update this forecast by 7:00 AM tomorrow, Wednesday, March 3rd.

Your observations are important, so please let me know what you're seeing... click HERE and contribute to this amazing community based program

General Announcements

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 or [email protected]

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.

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