Areas of MODERATE avalanche danger exist on all upper-elevation slopes and on mid-elevation slopes facing northwest through east for wind-drifted snow avalanches. In either case, look for fresh soft or hard slabs of wind-drifted snow. Human-triggered avalanches 1 to 3 feet are possible. You will find an overall LOW avalanche danger out of the wind-affected terrain. Hot tip: You can significantly reduce your risk of an avalanche today by avoiding the wind-loaded part of any slope. Slip in from below or the side and ensure there is no wind slab before committing to steep terrain.
Pre-frontal southerly wind has created a fresh batch of wind-drifted snow. These drifts (soft or hard) could be 1-3 feet deep and large enough to catch and carry humans. Soft wind slabs are often pillowy and rounded-looking, while hard wind slabs sound hollow before they break around you. Be on the lookout and avoid slopes loaded by the wind.
Ski areas reported a couple of explosive-triggered wind slab avalanches that were deep enough to bury a human. Plenty of people were in the backcountry yesterday, and no new human-triggered avalanches were reported.
Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the wind picked up last night around 8:00 PM and continues to blow from the southwest this morning at speeds of 20-30 mph gusts into the 30s and 40s. Across the Ogden Skyline', the wind is blowing a bit harder from the southwest at speeds of 30-40 mph gusting into the 50s mph. This wind will likely ruin the powder party in exposed terrain. Current mountain temperatures range from 19-27 °F.
Today, a minor cold front will push into Northern Utah, bringing increasing clouds and a chance for a couple of inches of new snow. Unfortunately, the pre-frontal southerly wind will continue to be the issue this morning until midday, when the wind will veer to the west and eventually the northwest and slow in speed. Mountain temperatures will rise into the upper 20s to low 30s °F.
The recent storm left behind roughly 12-20 inches of new snow. Today, you will find good riding and turning conditions on most slopes with a northerly tilt to them. On slopes facing south and at low elevations, you will find a crust from yesterday's sun and warming temperatures.
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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.
