UINTA-WASATCH-CACHE NATIONAL FOREST, Utah-Thursday evening, the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, which encompasses the Heber Valley and Wasatch Back, issued a statement concerning the dangers of avalanches.
The release states avalanche forecasters with the Utah Avalanche Center of Salt Lake City are concerned “serious avalanche accidents will occur in the backcountry” as the new year commences this weekend.
This is because the past few days have seen several feet of snow fall on mountain slopes, accompanied by winds that are comparable to hurricane gusts.
The problem is compounded, the release continues, by “a weak layer of sugary, faceted snow near the ground.”
The release continues, saying avalanches have already occurred this season in neighboring states, such as Colorado, Idaho, Montana and Washington.
Because of the sunny weekend that is expected following the snow of Thursday evening and Friday, it is anticipated that many adventurers will take to the outdoors.
The UWCNF has given the following tips for those who venture outside:
Carefully evaluate snowpack, cautiously search for useful routes and make conservative decisions
Avalanches can be triggered remotely from a distance, an adjacent slope, or even from a lower elevation.
Avoid travel in avalanche terrain facing the north half of the compass. Steer clear and stay out from under wind-drifted slopes steeper than 30 degrees.
Before adventuring, check the avalanche center at utahavalanchecenter.org.
This Web site is where you can find the latest avalanche forecast for the Wasatch Back.
Check that everyone in your group wears and knows how to use an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe.
Steer clear of steep, wind-drifted terrain, especially mid and upper elevation slopes facing the north half of the compass
Pay attention to changing conditions. Intense snowfall and drifting snow may cause the avalanche danger to rapidly rise.
Learn to recognize and avoid avalanche-prone terrain.
You can also call the Utah Avalanche Center at 1-801-524-5304.
