AVALANCHE WARNING »
Dangerous avalanche conditions are occuring or are imminent.
Backcountry travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.
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Notice: The avalanche warning continues for all the mountains of northern Utah. Deadly human triggered avalanches continue to be very likely on steeper slopes. Avalanches can be triggered from a distance so stay out from underneath steep slopes as well. People without expert level backcountry avalanche skills are urged to stay out of the backcountry. |
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BOTTOM LINE
Danger by aspect and elevation on slopes approaching 35° or steeper.
(click HERE for tomorrow's danger rating)
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Danger Rose Tutorial
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At upper elevations dangerous avalanche conditions exist. A Level 4 (HIGH) avalanche danger will be found on steep wind drifted slopes, especially those facing the north half of the compass and human triggered avalanches are very likely.
A Level 3 (CONSIDERABLE) avalanche danger will be found on mid and lower elevation north facing slopes and human triggered avalanches are likely.
Mid and lower elevation slopes that face the south half of the compass that had no snow prior to this storm, offer a Level 1 (LOW) avalanche danger. |
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CURRENT CONDITIONS |
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The big storm clobbered the Skyline with 14” of dense, heavy snow and riding conditions have become epically deep in the past few days. |
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RECENT ACTIVITY |
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No new avalanches to report, but I suspect the region experienced a widespread natural avalanche cycle.
Darce and Steve experienced an active day on the Skyline Friday with plenty of collapasing and whoomphing, shooting cracks, and an avalanche triggered on GE Hill. Click here for their trip report.
Check out Matt's great observation in lower elevation terrain of Fairview Canyon... thanks man!
Click here for recent observations from the region. |
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THREAT #1 |
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PROBABILITY |
SIZE |
TREND |
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Over the next
24 hours.
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A historically weak and shallow snowpack was no match for the big weekend storm. Slopes that didn’t avalanche wait for a trigger to kick the legs out from underneath the strong cohesive slab. These are dangerous avalanche conditions and I’ll make it simple- If you trigger a slide today, chances are it will be deep, dangerous, and unsurvivable. Avalanches can be triggered from a distance, on low angle terrain, and in the trees where we usually go to ride in conditions like this. Today you need to avoid being on, near, or under any steep wind drifted slope. I know it doesn't seem like there's enough snow to avalanche, but these are exactly the kind of conditions when even very experienced backcountry riders get caught, injured, or killed. |
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MOUNTAIN WEATHER |
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A splitting system brings clouds and light snow to the region late today through Tuesday. High temperatures reach into the low 30's before diving into the teens overnight. South and southwest winds will be a nuisance, blowing 20-40 mph along the ridges. Quick moving storms in a westerly flow give us a chance of light snow through the end of the week. |
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GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS |
The information in this advisory expires 24 hours after the date and time posted, but will be updated by 7:00 AM Saturday, January 28th. If you’re getting out and about and trigger an avalanche or see anything interesting please drop me an email at craig@utahavalanchecenter.org or call 801-231-2170 Also, now is a great time to schedule one of our free avalanche awareness presentations for your group or club. Email or call me and we’ll get you booked before things get too crazy. |
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This information does not apply to developed ski areas or highways where avalanche control is normally done. This advisory is from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This advisory describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur. |
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This advisory provided by the USDA Forest Service, in partnership with:
The Friends of the Utah Avalanche Center, Utah Division of State Parks and Recreation, Utah Division of Emergency Management, Salt Lake County, Salt Lake Unified Fire Authority and the friends of the La Sal Avalanche Center. See our Sponsors Page for a complete list. |
