Most terrain has LOW avalanche danger. Pockets of shallow wind slab may exist on some slopes. These are most pronounced on steep northerly to easterly facing terrain but patchy and likely poorly connected. Remember that risk is inherent in mountain travel.
Outlook: the outlook is not good for the rest of the week as the danger may reach HIGH in the coming days. Please spread the word to friends and neighbors who may be unaware.
Isolated upper elevation terrain may have fresh wind drifts on weak pre-existing snow. This is relegated to steep northwest to east facing slopes but pockety in nature. Approach any wind drifts with caution.
Terrain in unopened resorts must be treated as backcountry.
The First Annual Statewide Avalanche Awareness Week is December 2-7. We have a week full of fun and educational events planned. Check out the schedule here.
Click on the Education menu on our webpage for a full list of classes from the UAC and other providers. Check out the Know Before You Go eLearning program for free, online, avalanche classes.
None reported.
Skies are partly cloudy with temperatures in the low teens. Winds are generally light but for the highest elevations where they blow 25-30mph. The cold front favored upper Little Cottonwood with nearly a foot. The Provo mountains picked up a trace to 2" but will be favored with the impending storm where up to 2' of snow can't be ruled out. For today, we'll have increasing clouds, light backing winds, and temps in the upper 20s. Snow depths are 10-18" up high.
Looking down the road, expected heavy dense snowfall with strong southerly winds will not only be too much for yesterday's low density snow as a failure plane, but the old weak facets and crusts from the early storms. I expect probably more than one natural avalanche cycle this Thanksgiving week. The solution will be to choose terrain that did not harbor old snow (southeast to south to some westerly aspects) or to choose low angle terrain with nothing steeper above.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE GENERAL INFO AND FAQ
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.
