Today the avalanche danger is MODERATE. The main avalanche problem to watch for and avoid are fresh slabs of wind drifted snow.
As the day warms and if the sun appears for any notable length of time, watch for the snow becoming wet and producing loose wet avalanches.
Soft slabs of wind drifted snow from yesterday's westerly winds are the main avalanche problem today. The trouble is that they will be stabilizing at different rates. Some may be stubborn and well bonded while others may remain sensitive and can still avalanche.
Be heads up if the sun appears for any length of time and the snow starts getting wet. Sunshine is very strong this time of year. By afternoon the snow could get damp and snow quality should deteriorate. If the snow gets wet and you see pinwheels of snow rolling downhill, that is a sign that wet loose avalanches could start happening.
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Couple of new interesting things to read and listen to: (1) The latest blog by Drew "Roping the Wind (Slab)", and (2) UAC podcast featuring Lynne Wolfe - guide, avalanche educator, editor of The Avalanche Review, mentor, role model. This is a can't-miss episode!
Although specific to the Salt Lake mountains, the latest Week in Review is up and live.
No avalanche were reported in the Provo area mountains; however, there were many avalanches 12-24 inches deep further north where more snow fell. See all the SLC area avalanches HERE.
Snow: Total snow since Thursday night in the Provo area mountains is 4-6 inches. Further north in the Cottonwood Canyons 18-23 inches fell and near Park City 12-14 inches fell.
Temperatures: This morning temperatures are mostly in low to mid 20s F.
Winds: Yesterday winds averaged 15 mph from the west with gusts of 30 mph. This morning winds shifted to the northeast and were blowing 2-5 mph even at 11,000 ft.
Today: Scattered snow showers will produce a trace of snow. Winds will remain mostly calm. Temperatures will climb into the upper 30's F. There will be a mix of sun and clouds but it's hard to say exactly how much sunshine we'll see.
The new snow should have settled some overnight and I'd expect great "surfy" riding conditions this morning before the snow warms up too much.
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This information does not apply to developed ski areas or highways where avalanche control is normally done. This forecast is from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This forecast describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.
