Dangerous, hard slab avalanches up to 2 feet deep remain possible on steep slopes in isolated upper elevation terrain. Previously drifted slopes with poor snow structure (a slab of dense snow on top of weak faceted snow near the ground) are most suspect. Yesterday, I found good snow coverage and access, with crusty, damp snow in the Emigration Canyon Area. There is enough snow to cover the rocks, and people are riding from the Copenhagen Basin TH. Access to upper elevation terrain in most of the zone is a challenge over dry or icy roads and trails at lower elevations (below about 7000')

Temperatures appear to be dropping a little this morning. It's 38°F at the Tony Grove Snotel this morning with 30" of total snow. The UAC Card Canyon site is showing 37°F with 17" of total snow. On Logan Peak, winds are blowing from the south 25 to 30 mph and gusting to 56 mph early this morning. On Paris Peak, it's 31°F, and the wind is from the south at around 10 mph.

Expect increasing clouds and rain, and snow in the mountains today, with little accumulation expected. High temperatures at 8500 feet will be around 44°F, and winds will blow from the south-southwest 15 to 20 mph, with gusts near 40 mph. Rain and snow are expected tonight, and some thunder is also possible, but accumulations will be minimal. Steady temperature around 38°F. Breezy, with a wind from the south-southwest 25 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 50 mph. Snow showers are expected on Christmas Day, with about an inch of accumulation, and some thunder is possible. High temperatures will be near 37°F. Breezy, with a southwest wind around 25 mph, with gusts as high as 50 mph.

***We're very happy to report that mountain temperatures will finally drop on Christmas Night, and snowfall is likely through Friday night (snowfall could be heavy at times), with 1 to 2 feet of accumulation from the storm possible at upper elevations in the Bear River Range.