Uintas Conditions 2019

[Johnpaulj]

Hi all. Looking for an update on the snowpack in the uintas primarily western uintas up mirror lake area.

 

[LarryBoy]

https://utahavalanchecenter.org/forecast/uintas

 

[Nick]

There's a lot of snow up there. Are you asking because you're trying to get an idea of what this summer will be like? There's really no way to guess at this point. Above average snowpack for sure, but it's all about what happens April-June that decides when things open up up there.

 

[Mitch R.]

There are Snowtel stations all through the Unitas

 

[Artemus]

Well, this is interesting too but different interesting as compared to the Windies. Contrast this "Departure from Normal" map of the region to the conditions from last year. Admittedly they are from much different dates but each compares the current conditions to the average or normal conditions for that date. For this tracking thread note the Uinta River Mountains. Even though a few ranges in the region are well below normal, like the Wind Rivers and Bighorn mountains the Uintas had above normal snowfall and snowfall stored on the ground this year. Cool blue colors indicate above average snow depth using the scale to the right. Warm and hot yellows and reds indicated below average snow depth on the ground.

This indicates to me that maybe we can get into the high country of the Windies (and Yellowstone and the Bighorns) a little early again this year but in the Uintas we are going to be postholing in snow in the high country through June and July depending on aspect and elevation.

 

[WillG]

Historical data indicates that even a big year should see dirt in the valleys ~10,000' by July. But the high passes...
https://wcc.sc.egov.usda.gov/nwcc/site?sitenum=396&state=UT

 

[Parma]

Saw this posted on Friends of Kings Peak Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/169001923120140/posts/2395136430506667

 

[Nick]

I changed the title of this thread as it seems like it's become the main Uintas Conditions thread for the year.

 

[Perry]

Saw this posted on Friends of Kings Peak Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/169001923120140/posts/2395136430506667

For those of us that don’t do Facebook what’s it about?


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[Parma]

It says,
“Okay just checked. Currently 47 inches at snotel site below Elkhorn Crossing (bridge). About a foot a week melt out so at least a month until trail is clear to the bridge. It’s going to be a long while until you can do the peak without snow.”
https://wcc.sc.egov.usda.gov/nwcc/site?sitenum=1193&state=ut

 

[Perry]

It says,
“Okay just checked. Currently 47 inches at snotel site below Elkhorn Crossing (bridge). About a foot a week melt out so at least a month until trail is clear to the bridge. It’s going to be a long while until you can do the peak without snow.”
https://wcc.sc.egov.usda.gov/nwcc/site?sitenum=1193&state=ut

Thanks for that! But.... sigh.

 

[Parma]

From the US Forest Service:
Heber-Kamas Ranger District gate across Mirror Lake Highway (Highway 150) is open, (so the snowmobilers and skiers can access the area), but there is still a Road Closed/No Winter Maintenance sign on the road. Snow levels higher up Hwy 150 make it impassable to vehicles. Depth at Bald Mountain is 83 inches. Depth at Trial Lake is 68 inches. No campgrounds are open yet. Trails are either still under snow or are mud/snow/ice/water mixes. The road to Strawberry Marina is clear, mostly, but the marina is not open yet. Access to Chicken East is also open. Wolf Creek Pass road open to junction with Mill Hollow road.

https://www.facebook.com/1477262249207367/posts/2273033229630261

 

[Perry]

From the US Forest Service:
Heber-Kamas Ranger District gate across Mirror Lake Highway (Highway 150) is open, (so the snowmobilers and skiers can access the area), but there is still a Road Closed/No Winter Maintenance sign on the road. Snow levels higher up Hwy 150 make it impassable to vehicles. Depth at Bald Mountain is 83 inches. Depth at Trial Lake is 68 inches. No campgrounds are open yet. Trails are either still under snow or are mud/snow/ice/water mixes. The road to Strawberry Marina is clear, mostly, but the marina is not open yet. Access to Chicken East is also open. Wolf Creek Pass road open to junction with Mill Hollow road.

https://www.facebook.com/1477262249207367/posts/2273033229630261

Ooh, ooh! It’s a start!


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[Parma]

The Facebook page "U.S. Forest Service Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest" has been posting tons of photos and videos of the Uintas and the conditions. Someone is Facebook savvy up there!

 

[WasatchWill]

As of today, here's a shot of the toilets at Provo River Falls per UWCNF's Twitter:

 

[Perry]

As of today, here's a shot of the toilets at Provo River Falls per UWCNF's Twitter:

Holy guacamole!

 

[LarryBoy]

As of today, here's a shot of the toilets at Provo River Falls per UWCNF's Twitter:

A ready-made igloo!

 

[Nick]

More like a snow cave. And we know @LarryBoy would sleep in it.

 

[Artemus]

As of today, here's a shot of the toilets at Provo River Falls per UWCNF's Twitter:

Correction, @WasatchWill. Just read the post at the USFS FB page and this is actually the outhouse at Bald Mountain Pass - a thousand feet or more higher. Just wanted all to know.

 

[Windy]

Looks like more significant snow up in the high country next week.