Salt Lake
Pericolo valanghe
- Alta quota
- Limite del bosco
- Sotto il limite del bosco
In sintesi
The avalanche hazard is Low. The two things to watch for today are (1) pockets of isolated wind slabs along upper elevation aspects facing north through east, and (2) slide-for-life conditions on steep, wind-scoured slopes that have a slick ice crust.
Special Announcement
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Recent Activity
The only backcountry avalanche reported from Thursday were small winds pockets along the Park City ridgeline (Mark White observation).
Our Week in Review - where we highlight significant weather and avalanche events from this past week - is published HERE.
Snow and Weather
Currently: Skies are clear and temperatures are in the low to mid 20's F. Winds are out of the south through west and gusty. Along 10,000' ridges winds are averaging in the teens with gusts in the 20's. At 11,000' winds are averaging in the 20's with gusts in the upper 30's mph.
Today: Another beautiful day in the mountains with temperatures rising into the 20's and low 30's F. Winds will be westerly, averaging in the teens with gusts in the 20's mph. Add 10 mph to that along exposed ridges at 11,000'. Mid and high-level clouds will increase this afternoon as a dry cold front enters the region.
This Weekend: Beginning late Saturday things become more active with periods of snow on a westerly flow. A strong cold front enters the region later Sunday night, bringing periods of heavier snow, with over a foot possible by later Monday.
Additional Info
LOOKING AHEAD:
In simple terms, slab avalanches require a slab of snow resting on top of a weak layer. Currently, there exists abut 2-4" of snow on top of a widespread rain/rime crust that formed late Friday, February 7.This snow at the surface is undergoing a process of faceting (becoming weaker) during this period of cold and clear weather and may provide the necessary weak layer. Snow and wind forecasted for later this weekend may create the slab on top. The rain/rime crust will provide an excellent bed surface for avalanches to run on. (The "Dickens Crust"? February 7 is Charles Dickens birthday and this crust may prove to be the dickens!)
On Thursday several of our regular observers noted the weakening snow surface (Toledo Bowl, Days Fork, Silver Fork, South Monitor, Hogum Fork)
Below is a video from my field day in Upper White Pine Canyon where I was finding this structure of weakening snow on top of the buried crust:
The bottom line is the avalanche hazard may quickly rise later this weekend once we receive more snow.
General Announcements
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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.