Avalanche Advisory
| Advisory: Uintas Area Mountains | Issued by Craig Gordon for January 30, 2013 - 6:29am |
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Above treeline
Near treeline
Below treeline
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bottom line At and above treeline a CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger exists today and deep, dangerous human triggered avalanches are likely. Within this terrain, pockets of HIGH avalanche danger is found, especially on steep wind drifted slopes facing the north half of the compass. A MODERATE avalanche danger is found on upper elevation south facing terrain and human triggered avalanches are possible on wind drifted slopes. LOW avalanche danger is found in terrain where there are no steep slopes above or adjacent to where you're riding .
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special avalanche bulletin Strong winds will continue overloading our preexisting snowpack, leading to dangerous avalanche conditions. Deep, dangerous human triggered avalanches are likely, especially on steep wind drifted slopes. |
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current conditions Storm totals since Sunday are hovering around a foot. While light snow continues this morning, we didn't get the overnight snow totals as forecast.... just an inch or two. West and northwest winds are the main issue along the high ridges where they've been averaging 20-30 mph and gusting into the upper 40's. Temperatures at the trailheads are in the mid teens and it's still in the single digits near the peaks. Riding and turning conditions are quite good right now, particular in mid elevation, wind sheltered shady terrain and on low angle south facing slopes.. Many thanks to Ted Scroggin and to JG for all the great observations this year... you guys rock! Recent observations can be found here. Wondering why last winter was so crazy? Click here to watch the 2011-12 Utah Winter Review... an excellent recap of last years conditions. |
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recent activity
Yesterday, Ted found shallow softs slabs along the leeward side of upper elevation ridges sensitive, yet still manageable. An accident report detailing the very tragic avalanche in the West Fork of the Duchesne can be found here.
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Avalanche Problem 1over the next 24 hours
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Above treeline
Near treeline
Below treeline
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description
Not much snow overnight, but lots of wind loading, especially along the leeward side of upper elevation ridges. And unfortunately, we've had winds all over the map. First, south and southwest winds wailed into the 60's and 70's Sunday afternoon, switching to the northwest yesterday and backing off into the 30's, and now finally they've gained a westerly direction and increased into the 40's this morning. In any case, there's plenty of snow available to whip into a dense, cohesive slab. Avalanche conditions are tricky right now because of the variability of snow depths and strength. Some terrain is good to go and other slopes can pull out when you collapse the snow mid slope and then you're staring down a dangerous avalanche. One thing is for sure... today’s slides will break deeper and wider than you might expect and they’ll be packing a hefty punch. Low angle slopes not connected to steep slopes above you along with terrain facing the south half of the compass will be the ticket. With these great riding options available, you can avoid avalanches altogether and have a blast today.
Winds have been burley along the ridge the past few days. Forming stiff slabs all over the place. |
Avalanche Problem 2over the next 24 hours
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Above treeline
Near treeline
Below treeline
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description
Fresh wind slabs are the most obvious avalanche problem today and they're the most manageable. Breaking at or below or skis, board, or sled don't get tricked into thinking this is the only avalanche dragon out there. An easily triggered soft slab can quickly get out of hand, especially if it breaks into weaker layers of the snowpack as it crashes down on the slope below. |
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weather A moist northwest flow camps out over the region today through tomorrow, bringing another round of snow and wind. 2"-5" of snow is expected today, with an additional 2"-5" tonight. West winds are gonna be a nuisance, blowing 15-30 mph with higher gusts possible. Temperatures climb into the mid 20's before dipping into the low teens overnight. Mostly cloudy skies are expected on Thursday, before high pressure builds for the latter portion of the week. |
| general annoucements Remember your information can save lives. If you see anything we should know about, please participate in the creation of our own community avalanche advisory by submitting snow and avalanche conditions. You can call me directly at 801-231-2170, email [email protected], or email by clicking HERE This is a great time of year to schedule a free avalanche awareness presentation for your group or club. You can contact me at 801-231-2170 or email [email protected] Donate to your favorite non-profit –The Friends of the Utah Avalanche Center. The UAC depends on contributions from users like you to support our work. The information in this advisory is from the US Forest Service which is solely responsible for its content. This advisory describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur. The information in this advisory expires 24 hours after the date and time posted, but will be updated by 7:00 AM Thursday January 31st. |