Uintas Avalanche Advisory

Forecaster: Craig Gordon

AVALANCHE WARNING »

Dangerous avalanche conditions are occuring or are imminent. Backcountry travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.
Notice:

An Avalanche Warning remains in effect for the western Uinta Mountains. Strong winds overloading a weak snowpack has created a HIGH avalanche danger. Dangerous human triggered avalanches are likely. People should avoid steep wind drifted slopes.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

It is with great sadness to report yet another avalanche accident which occurred on Thursday and resulted in the death of 24-year-old Timothy Robert Baker of Salt Lake City. He was killed in a backcountry avalanche he triggered in Dutch Draw. Our thoughts, prayers, and condolences go out to the friends and family of Mr. Baker.

BOTTOM LINE

Danger by aspect and elevation on slopes approaching 35° or steeper.
(click HERE for tomorrow's danger rating)


Danger Rose Tutorial

In the wind zone at upper elevations a Level 4 (HIGH) avalanche danger exists for both fresh wind drifts and for deeper slides in terrain where a strong slab overlays a thin, weak snowpack. Human triggered avalanches are likely on steep wind drifted slopes, especially those with an easterly component to their aspect.

At mid elevations a Level 3 (CONSIDERABLE) avalanche danger will be found and human triggered avalanches are probable on all steep wind drifted slopes.

A Level 1 (LOW) avalanche danger will be found in lower elevation, wind sheltered terrain.

CURRENT CONDITIONS

South and southwest winds are already cranking in the 50’s and 60’s ahead of the next storm system poised to slam the state. Temperatures are in the mid to upper 20’s. Yesterday’s stellar riding conditions are replaced with today’s wind-jacked surface.

RECENT ACTIVITY

Super Bowl ran huge as a result of Wednesday's hurricane force wind event.

Numerous deep avalanches reported, both natural and human triggered. A brief glimpse includes most of Super Bowl, the east side of Moffit Peak, and a couple of partial burials on Double Hill. Avalanches are breaking to old snow and are hardly manageable.

Click here to view recent observations.

THREAT #1
WHERE PROBABILITY SIZE TREND
      Over the next 24 hours.

Ted rolled up on the recently triggered avalanche as the group was digging out and brushing themselves off. Fortunately this group dodged a bullet and all were OK.

The shear amount of human triggered slides and close calls disturbs me… and it’s downright selfish. This careless pattern of triggering avalanches and then dusting ourselves off like we just ran into a swarm of mosquitoes is got to stop or someone isn’t going to come home to their family at the end of the day. Perhaps take a minute and think about how your family would fare without you or how you would cope with a life altering injury.

That being said it doesn’t mean we can’t ride. It does mean we need to avoid steep wind drifted, upper elevation slopes where we can trigger a deep, dangerous, and possibly life changing slide. Exercise a little self restraint and patience and carve turns on low angle slopes and meadows where there are no steep slopes above or adjacent to where you’re riding.


THREAT #2
WHERE PROBABILITY SIZE TREND
      Over the next 24 hours.

Winds are already forming slabs at a rapid rate this morning and these will become more widespread as the day wares on. Any avalanche triggered in a newly formed wind drift can quickly break into weaker snow producing a large, dangerous slide as it descends the slope.

THREAT #3
WHERE PROBABILITY SIZE TREND
      Over the next 24 hours.

Cornices have grown large and can break back further than you might expect.

MOUNTAIN WEATHER

Clear skies this morning should be short-lived as a cold front is slated to move through the area around lunch time, bringing strong winds and at least a few inches of snow. Southwest winds switch to the west and continue to nuke along the ridges, gusting into the 60’s and 70’s. Showers linger through the evening before tapering off overnight and temperatures dive into the single digits.

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

The information in this advisory expires 24 hours after the date and time posted, but will be updated by 7:00 AM Sunday, February 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

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.

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.