We are deeply saddened to confirm two avalanche fatalities. The first involved a 38 year old man in Main Porter Fork of Mill Creek Canyon who went missing on Saturday. The second avalanche fatality occurred Tuesday that involved a 54 year old man off Davenport Hill into Silver Fork of BCC. Both individuals were traveling alone in the backcountry. Our condolences go out to to the family and friends of the victims.
Many thanks to those who responded to these accidents: search and rescue teams from AirMed, LifeFlight, Utah Dept Public Safety, Utah Department of Transportation, Salt Lake County Search and Rescue, Wasatch Backcountry Rescue, Alta Ski Area, and members of the Utah Avalanche Center.
6 am: Temperatures have been on the rise overnight and are in the upper 20's through mid 30's F. Winds are from the southwest and have also increased overnight, gusting into the 20's mph along exposed ridges.
24-hour snowfall totals are 5-11" containing 0.7 - 1.5 inches of water.
Today: Mostly sunny this morning, with clouds filling in during the afternoon. Temperatures will rise into the upper 30's and low 40's F. Winds will be from the southwest and will average in the teens with gusts in the 25-35 mph along exposed ridges.
This Weekend: Increasing winds this evening with snowfall beginning overnight. A cold front arrives around dawn on Saturday, with heavy snowfall on a cold northwest flow, with 8-12 inches of new snow possible.
No recent avalanche activity has been reported. Backcountry observers and snow safety teams from local resorts report collapsing in upper-elevation wind-loaded terrain.
Reminder: Please call your closest ski patrol dispatch (INFO) if you happen to witness a new avalanche near a ski area and are sure there is no one involved. This allows rescue teams to stand down and not stick their necks out if they're not needed. Thank you -
