Forecast for the Salt Lake Area Mountains

Nikki Champion
Issued by Nikki Champion for
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
Early season avalanches are possible in steep upper elevation backcountry terrain, especially on shady slopes with wind drifted snow.
We will provide an update as conditions warrant. Until we get more snow and more data, we are not issuing danger ratings.
We are posting observations every day now, so submit an avalanche or observation HERE. Read observations HERE.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
Learn how to read the forecast here
Weather and Snow
The dominant weather pattern will be a high pressure system for the foreseeable future, with this will come scattered thin clouds and mild temperatures. The weekend weather system looks mild and fairly weak, with no real threat of precipitation.

Our snowpack is dwindling. Sunny slopes are losing snow and becoming bare while upper elevation shady slopes are retaining snow. There is to 1-2 feet in protected areas of the upper Cottonwoods, and 6-12 inches on the Park City ridgeline. Old snow distribution is going to be very important moving into the next storm system, so be conscious of where coverage is as it forming a weak layer at the ground. Take photos, and submit observations.
Strong Sunday into Monday winds could have led to wind drifted snow sitting on unconsolidated snow. Look for and avoid this wind drifted snow on steep slopes.
PC:Grainger - Murdock Peak - Look at full observation HERE.
Here are a few things to remember:
  • Hitting rocks and stumps is a real danger. Don't end your season before it starts with an injury from hitting one of these obstacles.
  • Avalanches are a real possibility. It doesn't matter if you are hiking, hunting, skiing, etc., be prepared with rescue gear and a partner.
  • The Tony Grove Road is not maintained for wheeled vehicles in the winter, and it is snowpacked, narrow, and icy in places.
  • Hikers, cross country skiers, snow bikers, dogs, sleds, and 4x4s share the road this time of year, so be nice and keep your speed down around others...
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