Provo

Today's avalanche danger is generally LOW. Minor wet and dry sluffs are possible on steep slopes. Remember that risk is inherent in mountain travel - even a small sluff can be significant in radical, no-fall terrain.

With fewer observations in the upper elevations of the Provo mountains, there is higher uncertainty with the forecast. As always, caution is advised if headed into the steep alpine terrain in the Provo mountains.

In the central Wasatch, minor wet loose avalanche activity was reported in the steepest, south-facing terrain above Little Cottonwood Canyon. Ski area control teams also found a couple rogue wind slabs with explosives while opening new terrain.

Skies are clear.

Mountain temperatures are in the upper 20s to low 30s with basins and trailheads in the teens.

West to southwest winds blow 10-15mph with gusts to 20.

It's easy to avoid the wind and sun damage by heading to the sheltered shady slopes. There, skiing and riding conditions remain excellent where surface faceting and the glittery diamonds of surface hoar abound.

As they say, "Today's snow surface is tomorrow's buried weak layer." Let's see how well this loose and weak surface snow is preserved prior to Saturday night's storm system. If well preserved, there's gonna be trouble. Stay tuned.

The forecasts have a decent storm system slated for Saturday night into Monday. At this stage of the game, I'd count on 6-12" of snow with moderate to strong westerly winds. The avalanche danger will rise accordingly.

For today, we'll have mostly sunny skies, light to moderate southwest winds, and mountain temps into the mid-30s to low 40s. Enjoy -

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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.