In Utah, a huge thanks to members from San Juan and Grand County Search and Rescues, Utah Department of Public Safety, Snowbird, 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.
This morning the skies are clear, but not for long. A very weak system will cross overhead this morning ushering in some clouds, wind, and maybe a couple snowflakes. Northerly winds have increased once again and are currently blowing 15-20 mph & gusting into the upper 20's across the highest peaks. Mid elevation wind speeds are more reasonable at 10-15 mph & gusting into the low 20's. By mid afternoon the trough axis passes overhead and the northerly winds should calm down. Current mountain temperatures are in the mid to low twenties °F at the upper elevations. Clouds will begin to break up this afternoon as we return to a dry, cool, northwest flow.
The list of all backcountry observations can be found
HERE. Yesterday afternoon, the sun warmed the southerly facing terrain just enough and we went through a natural wet loose avalanche cycle. Many of the avalanches were small and fanned out. However, a couple traveled long distances down chutes and gullies stacking up impressive debris piles.
