Abajos

The avalanche danger remains CONSIDERABLE on steep, northerly facing slopes. In these areas, layers of weak, sugary, faceted snow have become dangerously overloaded and human triggered avalanches are likely. At upper elevations, recent wind drifting has exacerbated the problem. With the current snowpack structure, steep, N-E facing slopes should be avoided for the foreseeable future. Most south-facing terrain has generally LOW danger. Be on the lookout for isolated wind drifts on SE and W facing slopes at upper elevations.

The Utah Avalanche Center podcast's second episode of season 4 is live - Managing Risk with Avalanches, Managing Risk with a Pandemic - A Conversation with state epidemiologist Dr. Angela Dunn.

Stream here or tune in wherever you get your favorite podcasts

There are several new blogs that have recently been published:

Read a few short anecdotes in a blog from UAC staff about how avalanches can surprise us.

UAC forecasters Paige Pagnucco and Greg Gagne discussing danger ratings and persistent weak layers.

Gusty winds and clouds this morning are all we are going to see from a storm system passing by to the north. Look for clearing skies throughout the day with moderate to strong SW winds shifting to NW later today. High temps at 10,000' will be in the mid 20's. Weak, high pressure will bring sunny skies on Wed with dry conditions remaining through the week. A cut of low emerging from a Pacific storm system on Saturday brings our next chance for snow.

NWS Weather Forecast.

Snow totals at Buckboard Flat (8924')

Snow totals at Camp Jackson (8858')

Snowpack Discussion

The existing snow structure is very poor. Recent and wind drifted snow overly a layer of weak, sugary, faceted snow creating a persistent weak layer problem. In our travels Friday, we observed widespread cracking and collapsing of the snowpack. These are clear red flag signs of instability. Human triggered avalanches remain likely on steep, northerly facing slopes above about 10,000'. Overall coverage remains quite thin and there really isn't enough snow for much off-trail recreation.

This video of an extended column test illustrates the persistent weak layer problem. The slab on top slides off of the layer of sugary, faceted snow underneath.

Information on outdoor recreation - The State of Utah created this webpage with information about recreating on both state and federal public lands during the current health crisis.

New to the backcountry (including riding at closed resorts) - Watch the award-winning, 15 minute Know Before You Go video, or take the 5-part, free online-learning series.

This forecast is from the U.S. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This forecast describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.