The avalanche danger is MODERATE today in areas with recent deposits of wind drifted snow. Human triggered avalanches are possible. The most likely places to trigger something are along the upper elevation ridges on the east half of the compass. If you avoid the recently formed fresh drifts and cornices, you'll stay out of avalanche danger.
The human triggered avalanche in Ephraim Canyon perfectly demonstrates what we want to watch out for again today. Generally, wind drifted snow tends to stabilize fairly rapidly. The drifts will be more stubborn today however, they still may release on a person. If you stay off of the most obvious wind drifted features today, you'll stay safe.
There was one snowbike triggered avalanche in Ephraim Canyon on Friday. It was a fairly small wind drifted pocket and didn't run very far. It was up to 2 feet deep in places. It was in a location exactly where you'd expect a fresh drift to release; steep northeast facing slope along the lee side of a high elevation ridge.
Current Conditions: The wind continued for most of the day on Friday and definitely drifted snow in many locations. Riding conditions were better than I anticipated given all the wind. Temperatures remained fairly warm overnight with lows in the upper 20s.
Mountain Weather: We're going to have mostly clear skies today with high temperatures in the low 30s. It's going to be a bit breezy with west wind in the moderate speed range along the ridges. Another small storm moves through tonight bringing a few inches of snow.
SKYLINE AVALANCHES & OBSERVATIONS
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.
