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Forecast for the Uintas Area Mountains

Andrew Nassetta
Issued by Andrew Nassetta on
Wednesday morning, November 27, 2024
MODERATE avalanche danger exists above treeline on steep slopes facing northwest through southeast. Human-triggered avalanches are POSSIBLE and today’s avalanches could fail into old snow and break deeper and wider than expected.
My mindset is avoidance of today’s avalanches. To find good riding, I’m shooting for slopes that do not have old snow at the ground by switching aspect and elevation, or by simply dialing back my slope angles to less than 30°.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
Learn how to read the forecast here
Weather and Snow
Nowcast
Dissapating early this morning, the storm leaves 6" at our trailheads and closer to 12" at upper elevations. Temps are currently cool in the teens with light NW winds and moderate gusts into the 20s at upper-elevation ridgelines.
Forecast
Clearing will continue today and the sun should be shining by late morning. Temperatures will climb to near 30℉ at our trailhead, and closer to 20℉ at our upper-elevations. Light winds from the NW will continue with gusting into the 20 MPH range.
Futurecast
Not much to talk about looking down the road, I hope you enjoyed the action. A high-pressure ridge moves into town and park’s itself for the foreseeable future leaving us with sunny skies and mild temps for the next week.
Snowpack & Travel
Heading out today I am seeking protected terrain out of the wind zone where the PWL does not exist (mid-elevation, solar aspects). And of course, when things get confusing I just dial back my slope angles, removing a key component from the "ingredients" of an avalanche – slopes greater than 30°.
Recent Avalanches
On Monday, Joey and the ISA crew reported a small wind slab that was remotely triggered from a distance. This avalanche was 1’ deep and 40’ wide, failing on old snow. You can check out Joey's info here, and all other observations by clicking here.
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Avalanche Problem #1
Persistent Weak Layer
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Old October and November snow has faceted on many aspects at, and above treeline on northwest-easterly aspects and is now buried beneath the new snow from the recent storm.
Coming in warm and going out cold, 24 hour storm totals average 6” near the trailheads with the higher elevations receiving nearly a foot of medium-density snow with just about 1” of water weight. Remember… The recent storm snow piled up on the persistent weak layer which is buried 1-2’ beneath the snow surface. We have been missing the slab “ingredient” of an avalanche and the recent snow coupled with wind has created just that.
I’m keeping my eyes peeled for shooting cracks and ears open for whoomphing or audible collapses… these are obvious signs of instability. Take advantage of our shallow snowpack and enjoy some easy digging. It does not take long to pull out the shovel and quickly identify strong over weak snow structure in a pit.
Avalanche Problem #2
Wind Drifted Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Watch for slabs of wind-drifted snow that developed during the storm and are now covered by an additional 6”+ of new snow. I'm avoiding steep slopes in the windzone and features such as the leeward sides of ridges, chutes, and gullies that are specific to where today's avalanches live.
Additional Information
The Uinta weather station network was upgraded this summer and all that real-time info is found here. Simply click on the "Western Uinta" tab and then the "Weather Stations" tab to find all your weather needs.
Save the Date
  • Statewide Avalanche Awareness Week is running from December 1st-7th -- Check out the list of events and happenings across the state here!
  • 17th Annual Utah Snow and Avalanche Workshop (USAW) | Saturday, December 7 | Information and tickets are available here.
General Announcements
We are always looking for snow and avalanche observations, or just general riding conditions.
So... if you see something, say something. You can reach our team directly at craig@utahavalanchecenter.org, 801-231-2170, or Andy at andy@utahavalanchecenter.org, or 860-460-8142.
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