Today, the avalanche danger is MODERATE at mid and upper elevations where it is possible to trigger a soft slab avalanche in the new snow. Despite generally light winds, there should be some slabs of wind drifted snow at upper elevations that could be triggered as well. At low elevations the danger is LOW. The danger is generally trending down, but watch if there are any periods of intense snowfall that would cause the danger to rise. Also, evaluate every slope and don't take it for granted that seemingly stable conditions on one slope will mean that another slope is the same.
Winds have mostly been light, but there were some stronger winds from the east yesterday above 9000 feet. Watch for fresh slabs of wind drifted snow at upper elevations ridgelines. Also watch for a possible increase in winds from the northwest late this afternoon.
With 10 inches of new snow, soft slab avalanches remain possible within that new snow although it should be stabilizing quickly today. Use small test slopes at similar elevations and aspects of bigger slopes you hope to ride to evaluate the new snow. Consider choosing a slope to ride that has a clean runout (ie - no trees, rocks, gullys or cliffs) in case you trigger a slide.
There were no avalanches reported yesterday in the Ogden area mountains. Near Salt Lake in the Cottonwood Canyons there were many soft slab avalanches in the new snow following high snowfall rates late morning. Most avalanches were 6-12 inches deep and 50-100 feet wide. View all reported avalanches HERE.
Photo below of a slide in White Pine in Little Cottonwood that was similar to many others (B. Miller)
As always, find all of our observations and recent avalanches HERE.
Yesterday, 9 inches of new snow accumulated on the Snowbasin snow stake, and an additional inch of snow fell overnight.
This morning, temperatures are mostly near 20 degrees F. Light winds are blowing 10 mph from the east and just starting shifting to the south at 6 a.m.
Today,expect similar weather as yesterday. There will be light snowfall, light winds, and temperatures that rise into the upper 20s to mid 30s F. As this storm system moves east today, winds will shift to the northwest and may increase a little by afternoon blowing 5-15 mph. 1-3 inches of snow should fall today with an additional 1-3 inches falling tonight and another 1-3 inches tomorrow.
A combination of temperatures just above freezing and brief moments of sunshine yesterday afternoon made the new snow a little damp, and there could be a thin crust under the snow that fell overnight. Despite that, I'd expect riding conditions to be quite good this morning. Cool temperatures (for this time of year) and clouds should keep the snow dry today, but any amount of sun and heat could change things quickly.
Sunday, April 18th will be the 163rd avalanche forecast and the last one for the 2020/2021 season. For the rest of the month of April, we will provide updates on the snow and weather anytime it snows which is hopefully a lot. We will also continue to post observations.
Please visit this website with information about Responsible Winter Recreation by the Utah Office of Outdoor Recreation.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE GENERAL INFO AND FAQ
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.
