Utah Avalanche Center
New member
December 17, 2006 - 7:11 am The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE in upper elevation terrain slopes steeper than 35 degrees that have received and will continue to receive the most snow, such as upper Big Cottonwood, the Provo mountains and along the Park City ridgeline. Human triggered avalanches will be probable. Areas out of the wind will have a MODERATE danger today for storm snow avalanches.
Hardesty
Links: Avalanche List Photos Profile List Weather Links Encyclopedia 24 Hrs Today’s issues will be more problematic. The new, higher density snow will likely run on the lower density from the day before, possibly stepping down to some of the older crusts formed late in the week. With weaker snow beneath some of the eggshell crusts, collapse failure above 8500’-9000’ may produce larger, more dangerous slides.
When you’re out today, jump in steep test slopes, drop cornices, and anticipate shooting cracks in the new snow. With unusual winds out of the east to southeast, be more cautious as the drifting patterns will be different than what you may be accustomed to. For those without good snow assessment skills, I’d recommend staying on slopes less than 35 degrees, where the danger is less pronounced.
24 Hrs Lastly, control work along the Park City ridgeline on Friday pulled out avalanches to the ground in uncompacted terrain, highlighting the fact that the weak snow from late fall and early December hasn’t gone to pasture. Snow pits in the shallower areas have pointed toward this, and the nagging feeling just won’t go away. Most of the activity yesterday centered around a quick shallow natural cycle in the morning, followed by immediate gratification loose snow and super soft shallow slab activity described as very sensitive.
As of 5am, at least in upper Big Cottonwood Canyon and the Park City areas, 9-11” of 8-9% now buries Friday night’s 8-10” of 6%. Little Cottonwood and the Provo mountains received 6-8” thus far, with the Ogden and Logan mountains pulling in 3-4”. The east and southeasterly winds are averaging 20-25 mph, with the most exposed ridges showing winds in the 25-35 mph range. Temps are in the single digits and low teens. Riding conditions have improved in a hurry.
As of 5am, at least in upper Big Cottonwood Canyon and the Park City areas, 9-11” of 8-9% now buries Friday night’s 8-10” of 6%. Little Cottonwood and the Provo mountains received 6-8” thus far, with the Ogden and Logan mountains pulling in 3-4”. The east and southeasterly winds are averaging 20-25 mph, with the most exposed ridges showing winds in the 25-35 mph range. Temps are in the single digits and low teens. Riding conditions have improved in a hurry.
If they can get out, the Wasatch Powderbird Guides will be in American Fork and Snake Creek.
Listen to the advisory. Try our new streaming audio or podcastsOur new, state wide tollfree hotline is 1-888-999-4019.(For early morning detailed avalanche activity report hit option 8)For a list of avalanche classes, click HEREFor our classic text advisory click HERE.To sign up for automated e-mails of our graphical advisory click HERE
We appreciate any snowpack and avalanche observations you have, so please leave us a message at (801) 524-5304 or 1-800-662-4140, or email us at uac@avalanche.org (uac@avalanche.org). (Fax 801-524-6301)
The information in this advisory is from the U.S. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This advisory describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.
I will update this advisory by 7:30 on Monday morning.
This advisory provided by the Wasatch Cache National Forest, in partnership with:
Utah Division of State Parks and Recreation, The Friends of the Utah Avalanche Center, Utah Department of Emergency Services and Homeland Security and Salt Lake County
DISCLAIMER: Above is information on each factor affecting todays' danger rating. All factors must be considered to develop a backcountry travel plan that will reduce your risk.
The post was created using an automated process maintained by First Tracks! Online.
Hardesty
Links: Avalanche List Photos Profile List Weather Links Encyclopedia 24 Hrs Today’s issues will be more problematic. The new, higher density snow will likely run on the lower density from the day before, possibly stepping down to some of the older crusts formed late in the week. With weaker snow beneath some of the eggshell crusts, collapse failure above 8500’-9000’ may produce larger, more dangerous slides.
When you’re out today, jump in steep test slopes, drop cornices, and anticipate shooting cracks in the new snow. With unusual winds out of the east to southeast, be more cautious as the drifting patterns will be different than what you may be accustomed to. For those without good snow assessment skills, I’d recommend staying on slopes less than 35 degrees, where the danger is less pronounced.
24 Hrs Lastly, control work along the Park City ridgeline on Friday pulled out avalanches to the ground in uncompacted terrain, highlighting the fact that the weak snow from late fall and early December hasn’t gone to pasture. Snow pits in the shallower areas have pointed toward this, and the nagging feeling just won’t go away. Most of the activity yesterday centered around a quick shallow natural cycle in the morning, followed by immediate gratification loose snow and super soft shallow slab activity described as very sensitive.
As of 5am, at least in upper Big Cottonwood Canyon and the Park City areas, 9-11” of 8-9% now buries Friday night’s 8-10” of 6%. Little Cottonwood and the Provo mountains received 6-8” thus far, with the Ogden and Logan mountains pulling in 3-4”. The east and southeasterly winds are averaging 20-25 mph, with the most exposed ridges showing winds in the 25-35 mph range. Temps are in the single digits and low teens. Riding conditions have improved in a hurry.
As of 5am, at least in upper Big Cottonwood Canyon and the Park City areas, 9-11” of 8-9% now buries Friday night’s 8-10” of 6%. Little Cottonwood and the Provo mountains received 6-8” thus far, with the Ogden and Logan mountains pulling in 3-4”. The east and southeasterly winds are averaging 20-25 mph, with the most exposed ridges showing winds in the 25-35 mph range. Temps are in the single digits and low teens. Riding conditions have improved in a hurry.
If they can get out, the Wasatch Powderbird Guides will be in American Fork and Snake Creek.
Listen to the advisory. Try our new streaming audio or podcastsOur new, state wide tollfree hotline is 1-888-999-4019.(For early morning detailed avalanche activity report hit option 8)For a list of avalanche classes, click HEREFor our classic text advisory click HERE.To sign up for automated e-mails of our graphical advisory click HERE
We appreciate any snowpack and avalanche observations you have, so please leave us a message at (801) 524-5304 or 1-800-662-4140, or email us at uac@avalanche.org (uac@avalanche.org). (Fax 801-524-6301)
The information in this advisory is from the U.S. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This advisory describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.
I will update this advisory by 7:30 on Monday morning.
This advisory provided by the Wasatch Cache National Forest, in partnership with:
Utah Division of State Parks and Recreation, The Friends of the Utah Avalanche Center, Utah Department of Emergency Services and Homeland Security and Salt Lake County
DISCLAIMER: Above is information on each factor affecting todays' danger rating. All factors must be considered to develop a backcountry travel plan that will reduce your risk.
The post was created using an automated process maintained by First Tracks! Online.