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Forecast for the Uintas Area Mountains

Craig Gordon
Issued by Craig Gordon on
Wednesday morning, December 20, 2023
I know you're looking for LOW avalanche danger and you came to the right place, because both human triggered and natural avalanches are UNLIKELY on all aspects and all elevations in the western Uinta's today. Remember- low danger isn't no danger which is why we carry avalanche rescue gear, travel with an experienced partner, and only expose one person at a time to potential hazard.
The Uinta's are running a bit lean and mean... yeah, great for muscle definition, but it makes for limited travel. So, while it's quiet, do a little home work the next few days. Parlay your downtime and snap some digi images and catalog the lay of the land and current distribution of snow cover, especially terrain facing the north half of the compass, where snow is growing weak and sugary. Or... while you're taking a lunch break, consider bustin' out your rescue gear and get a few practice drills whilst hanging with your crew.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
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Learn how to read the forecast here
Weather and Snow
Nowcast- Yesterdays' little storm delivered a thin coat of white paint... nothing to get too excited about, but a little eye-wash for our mountains none-the-less. After a slight break in the underwhelming action, a band of high clouds slowly drifts into the Uinta zone at o'dark thirty, as winds, blowing from the south, hum along in the mid 20's near the high ridges. Temperatures clock in for the day hovering in the mid to upper 20's.
Forecast- Mostly cloudy skies are on tap, with on and off scattered snow showers throughout the day. Southerly winds are gonna be a nuisance, blowing in the 30's from the south and southwest near the hig peaks. High temperatures climb into the mid 30's, dipping into low to mid 20's overnight.
Futurecast- Look for clearing skies Thursday, but that'll be short-lived as a decent storm develops to round out the work week. Increasing clouds and wind Friday usher in a window of moderate to heavy snow Saturday morning through at least Saturday afternoon. Lotsa' pieces need to come together still, but a foot of snow by Sunday morning doesn't seem out of the question.
Riding and turning conditions are a mixed bag with sunnies offering a variety of crusts and generally thin travel. But switch aspect, gain elevation and go visit the high shady's which deliver soft, creamy snow in upper elevation, wind sheltered terrain facing the north half of the compass. So get out of the valley gunk... since any day on the snow is better than a day spent organizing the garage :)
Recent Avalanches
It's been quiet on the eastern front with no new avalanche activity reported for just over 240 hours, or if you do the day thing... 10 days ago.
Trip reports and the latest observations are found HERE.
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Avalanche Problem #1
Normal Caution
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Description
My trusted colleague Mark Staples and his partner Steve Martin (pro rider... not comedian :) stomped around Gold Hill yesterday and found very supportable snow and great riding conditions. Mark notes... "The old snow from November - this is unreactive now. It will certainly wake up on the north side of Gold Hill after several snow storms or one big one."
So... for the moment, that layer (persistent weak layer or PWL) is dormant and happy in its own skin.
But wait... there's more! Our recent run of high and dry weather diminishes the strength of the surface snow and in snow-geek-speak, creates near-surface facets on the shady slopes. Sure, this surface snow carves nicely and is fun to ride. But today's noisy pow is tomorrow's weak layer which could deliver a tricky setup when it storms again and new snowfall builds a cohesive slab on top.
Additional Information
Mark snapped this image of Gold Hill yesterday and it's looking like the North Slope could add a few more carbs to its macro nutrients program.
Snow depths at our automated weather stations range from 16-27 inches, but some areas at higher elevations have closer to three feet. South facing slopes have minimal snow that should be damp today. North facing slopes still have soft snow and surprisingly supportable snow.
We are always looking for snow and avalanche observations or just general riding conditions. So... if you see something, say something. You can reach me directly at craig@utahavalanchecenter.org or 801-231-2170.
Also, if you're looking for more avy education opportunities for yourself, your crew, or your club please don't hesitate to reach out to me and we'll find a presentation, class, or clinic for ya!
General Announcements
CLICK HERE FOR MORE GENERAL INFO AND FAQ
Issued at 04:00 on Wednesday, December 20th this forecast will be updated by 0700 Thursday, December 21st, 2023.
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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