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Forecast for the Salt Lake Area Mountains

Mark Staples
Issued by Mark Staples on
Sunday morning, November 15, 2020
The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE at upper elevations that were blasted by hurricane-force winds yesterday. The danger at mid elevations is MODERATE. Look for and avoid thick, cohesive slabs of wind drifted snow which exist on many slopes. Getting caught in an avalanche with one of these wind slabs could seriously injure or kill you due to the trauma of being swept over rocks at 60 mph. Seek sheltered slopes that did not receive any wind drifted snow from yesterday's strong winds.
The avalanche danger is LOW at low elevations.
Please do everything possible to avoid getting hurt for yourself and for the greater good. As you decide where and how to travel in the backcountry, consider adding just a little extra margin of safety.
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Special Announcements
I was very disappointed to read this observation describing how people were riding in the backcountry. The most basic travel rule with regard to avalanches is that we only expose one person at a time, and we certainly don't ride above other people and put them at risk. Frankly, I'm at a loss for words and am worried about how this winter will unfold.
Weather and Snow
Yesterday's storm delivered 7-13 inches of dense snow that contained 0.9-1.57 inches of water (about 13% density). Hurricane-force winds blew from the west and transported much of this snow. Settled snow depths above 9000 feet are 20-25 inches of dense snow. Near 7000 feet, snow depths are about 10-12 inches.
This morning, winds shifted to the SW and are blowing 25 mph gusting to 35 mph. Temperatures are mostly around 20 degrees F (about 10 deg warmer than yesterday).
Today, warm air is moving into the area and temperatures should be in the upper 20s F. Cloudy skies should produce some snow that could add up to an inch or two at best. Winds will continue blowing from the SW about 10-20 mph.
Photo of strong winds transporting snow yesterday along the PC ridgeline (M. White)
Recent Avalanches
No avalanches were reported yesterday. There were a few avalanches spotted on Friday as winds started increasing. I suspect there were natural avalanches Friday night or Saturday morning, but they were quickly covered by drifting snow.
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Avalanche Problem #1
Wind Drifted Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Yesterday's winds formed thick, cohesive slabs of wind drifted snow on many slopes. These wind slabs were resting on low density snow that fell in the middle of last week and is the weak layer on which avalanches can occur today. There is very little snow left for today's winds to transport; however, winds shifted to the SW and may have loaded a few slopes that didn't get loaded yesterday.
What are the odds of triggering these slabs? That's a hard question to answer exactly because the odds have been decreasing. I'd say that they should be stubborn today, but I wouldn't gamble with them just yet, because you'll lose if you find one that you can trigger. When I say that you'll "lose", I mean that you can get seriously injured or killed by triggering one of these wind slabs.
The best travel advice is to avoid slopes with this wind drifted snow. This snow looks smooth, rounded, and pillowy and typically exist under cornices.
Photo showing yesterday's snow resting on top of softer/weaker snow that fell in the middle of last week (T. Meisenheimer).
Additional Information
There are a few things to remember:
  1. 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.
  2. Early season avalanches are a real possibility. It doesn't matter if you are hiking, hunting, skiing, etc., be prepared with rescue gear and a partner. Many people have died during early season snowstorms. Listen to our UAC podcast episode The Day of Madness in Little Cottonwood Canyon about a bad day in November 2011 when many avalanches were triggered, including a tragic fatality.
  3. Ski resorts all have different uphill travel policies. These closed resorts that allow uphill travel can be great places to get in a little skiing especially in you know of a rock-free slope, but it should be treated as backcountry terrain. We will soon have an up to date resource on all the ski resorts individual policies.
Until more snow begins to fall, there are plenty of resources available to begin thinking about the season today:
  1. Check out the free online avalanche course material and e-learning materials available.
  2. Start looking at weather patterns in areas you plan to ski this upcoming winter. A full list of mountain weather stations can be found HERE.
  3. Freshen up on how to read the forecast page.
  4. Look over all of your gear and make sure everything is in good, working order.
  5. Sign up for an avalanche class! Get it on the schedule early.
Bonus Material! Listen to our podcast on Early Season Essentials with Bo Torrey
General Announcements
CLICK HERE FOR MORE GENERAL INFO AND FAQ
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.
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