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Forecast for the Uintas Area Mountains

Craig Gordon
Issued by Craig Gordon on
Thursday morning, December 20, 2018
While most terrain offers LOW avalanche danger, at and above treeline, in the wind zone, the avalanche danger is MODERATE. Human triggered avalanches are possible in steep, wind drifted terrain, especially on slopes facing the north half of the compass and particularly on those with an easterly component to their aspect. In addition, while becoming harder to initiate, human triggered avalanches breaking into deeper, buried weak layers is a distinct possibility, particularly on any steep slope harboring old snow near the ground. Remember- triggering a slide that breaks to old snow will immediately ruin your day.
Lose a little elevation or swing around to slopes with no old snow near the ground and the avalanche danger drops dramatically.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
Learn how to read the forecast here
Special Announcements
Check out the new free online avalanche course series developed by the Utah Avalanche Center. This is a great way to refresh your skills or prepare you for a Backcountry 101 or Level 1 class.
Weather and Snow
Yesterday's storm was a lot of huff, but very little fluff. However, at the end of the day we did manage to squeak out an inch or so of dense, spongy snow. Currently, with clear skies overhead, temperatures are in the teens and low 20's. Westerly winds have relaxed somewhat and are blowing in the 20's along the high peaks. Riding and turning conditions are a mixed bag. So much of our big, open terrain is wind damaged, but with a little searching, you'll find soft settled snow on wind sheltered slopes.
Above is recent hourly data from Trial Lake (9,945') along with wind data from Windy Peak (10,662'). To view more regional weather stations click here.
Plowing is done on Mirror Lake Highway, but Wolf Creek Pass is still open. The steep slopes surrounding the pass are getting hammered... ridden hard and without incident. However, just 'cause you can see your rig parked near Wolf Creek, doesn't mean the terrain you're choosing to ride is good to go. Remember- if you are getting out and about, be prepared for your own self rescue. Wear and know how to use an avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe.
Ted was in the Double Hill environs yesterday and found good riding, but coverage is still a bit thin. More on his travels here.
Recent Avalanches
No significant avalanche activity to report.
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Avalanche Problem #1
Wind Drifted Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Since the weekend, winds have been all over the place, cranking into the 50's and 60's, and finding whatever loose snow there is left available to blow around and form dense pieces of wind drifted snow on the leeward side of upper elevation ridges and cross-load terrain features like chutes and gullies. Today, I think you'll find most of these pretty lifeless and not very well connected, but as always, don't let your guard down. Be on the lookout for and avoid any fat, rounded piece of snow especially if it sounds hollow like a drum.
Shooting cracks out in front of your skis, board, or sled (like in the image above) are indicators of wind drifted snow.
Avalanche Problem #2
Persistent Weak Layer
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Recent snowpit stability tests combined with the lack of avalanche activity suggests the pack feels pretty comfortable in its own skin... and that's good news. However, the Uinta's are a big range and there's lots of variables when it comes to snowpack depth and strength. Remember- "persistent weak layers" in the snowpack are a headache because they remain problem children for long periods of time. And all we need to do is find one weakness, maybe around a bush or rock that we can't see buried underneath the snow, collapse the pack, and now we're getting worked by a moving piece of snow. The usual suspect terrain comes to mind- steep, rocky slopes with a shallow snowpack. So the way I'm avoiding this scenario is by simply avoiding the terrain where this setup exists.... mid and upper elevation, north facing slopes that harbor weak, early season snow near the ground.
Snow structure in the Whitney Basin pictured above
Additional Information
High pressure builds overhead allowing for clear skies and very mild temperatures rising into the upper 30's. Clouds increase and winds ramp up as the day progresses. A weak system slides through the region on Friday, with another hot on its heels for Saturday. Nothing huge, but enough for a fresh coat of white paint. The graphic above sets the stage for the upcoming holiday.
General Announcements
The information in this advisory expires 24 hours after the date and time posted, but will be updated by 7:00 AM Friday December 21st, 2018.
If you're getting out and about, please let me know what you're seeing especially if you see or trigger and avalanche. I can be reached at [email protected] or 801-231-2170
It's also a good time to set up one of our very popular avalanche awareness classes. Reach out to me and I'll make it happen.
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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