There is a MODERATE avalanche danger for shallow, stubborn wind drifts may be found scattered in the mid and upper elevations.
Wet Loose slides: the avalanche danger is LOW this morning while the snowpack is frozen, but may increase to MODERATE this afternoon if the snow become damp or wet where you are. This includes wet snow on all low elevation slopes and avalanche run outs in the heat of the day.
Shallow and pockety wind drifts will continue to be found in the mid to higher elevations today and in the open bowls and exposed terrain. Most reports are that these drifts have stabilized and are unreactive. But be aware of your terrain - even a very small slide can have consequences when you are above cliffs or trees.
Avalanche danger is LOW this morning for wet loose slides while the snowpack is frozen, but may increase to MODERATE this afternoon depending on the balance of clouds, wind and sun. If the snow where you are - on the sunny slopes or mid and low elevation shady slopes - gets soft and damp, roller balls start, or you can trigger small wet loose sluffs - it is time to get off of any steep slope with damp snow and out from under the steep, sunny slopes. Avoid travel in and below the bottom of steep, southerly facing gullies.
Two Utah men died in avalanches on Friday - Tommy Hawkins of Layton, Utah (snowmobiling near upper Palisades Lake, Idaho) and Scott Pehrson, of Monticello, UT (snowmobiling in the eastern La Sals, UT) We offer our deep sympathy to the family and friends of these two men. In Utah, a huge thanks to members from San Juan and Grand County Search and Rescues, Utah Department of Public Safety, Wasatch Powder Bird Guides and professional avalanche rescue dogs and handlers from Wasatch Backcountry Rescue, Alta, and Park City Ski areas who conducted recovery efforts.
None.
Under partly cloudy skies, enjoy one of the quietest mornings in a while - the northwesterly winds have quieted to only 5 to 15 mph at most stations, including the ridge lines. Temperatures are in the twenties this morning. Wind damaged snow was reported as very widespread, with the only loose powder on shady wind sheltered slopes down towards the low elevations. Most southerlies will have breakable crusts this morning, softening later in the day.
Today, partly cloudy skies with temperatures warming into the upper 20s to mid 30s. The northwesterly winds may once again increase this afternoon, especially along the high ridge lines, where averages of 30 to 40 mph, with gusts to 50 are possible. Speeds at the mid elevations should remain in the 5 to 15 mph range.
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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.
