This morning, the skies are overcast with light snowfall in the upper cottonwoods, no measurable accumulation as of 7 AM. Mountain temperatures have increased since yesterday, sitting in the upper teens and low 20s F. Along 9000' ridgelines winds are blowing primarily west-northwest at speeds of 10-20 mph, with gusts between 30-40 mph. At 11,000 feet, the winds are west-northwest gusting up to 70 mph.
Today will be mostly cloudy with a few snow showers. We could get 1-3" of new snow before the evening. Temperatures will rise into the upper 20s and low 30s°F today. At the 9000' ridgelines, winds will remain from the west-northwest and blow at speeds of 15-25 mph with gusts to 35 mph. At the 11,000' ridgelines winds will blow 35-45 mph, with gusts up to 60 mph.
Tomorrow, a winter storm warning goes into effect from 2 PM Tuesday until 6 AM Thursday. Mid-level warm air advection will bring snow showers to the mountains through the next two periods. One of the stronger storms of the winter is expected to begin on Tuesday. Snow totals could be impressive, with 32-42 inches of new snow. If you're in Southern Utah, you better hold onto your hats as wind speeds are forecast to hit 60-70 mph Tuesday into Wednesday. Find more details on the incoming storm in additional information.
Surface conditions have greatly improved with the new snowfall. Out of the wind zone, in protected terrain, the new snow will still be soft.
Yesterday, multiple human-triggered, and natural avalanches were reported in the backcountry. The majority of these avalanches failed as small soft slabs or shallow, loose dry new snow avalanches on the old snow interface.
See one observation from Tuscarora yesterday that propagated 15' wide, on an East aspect near 10,300'. Photo (Katz)
Find all recent avalanche activity
HERE.
