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Forecast for the Salt Lake Area Mountains

Nikki Champion
Issued by Nikki Champion on
Tuesday morning, February 25, 2020
Today at all upper elevations the avalanche danger is MODERATE where fresh slabs of wind drifted snow exists. These wind slabs will be generally shallow and isolated to upper elevation terrain features that allow drifting snow to accumulate. These shallow slabs will be more sensitive on north-facing aspects, where they rest atop weaker snow.
All mid and low elevation slopes or slopes either stripped or untouched by the wind, the avalanche danger is LOW.
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Weather and Snow
It is another cold morning, mountain temperatures are in the single digits at trailheads and hovering at 0 F at ridgelines. Since late last night, the winds have been gradually decreasing, this morning they are northerly and averaging 0 - 10 mph with gusts up to 15 mph at mid-elevations, and averaging 15 mph and gusting near 30 mph at upper elevations. Yesterday's storm totals were 1 - 6 inches of snow (.09 - .27 inches of water).
Today, high pressure will build over the area bringing sunny and clear skies, temperatures in the mid-20s F and decreasing winds. Winds will be northwesterly averaging 5-15 mph with gusts below 25 mph at mid-elevations. The upper elevations could see gusts up to 35 mph.
Recent Avalanches
Yesterday, a few isolated wind slabs were reported on upper elevation slopes during control work in the ski resorts.
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Avalanche Problem #1
Wind Drifted Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
The winds have finally begun to decrease. The last two days of strong winds in combination with a few inches of snow will have drifted snow and formed fresh slabs today. These wind drifts will be very small, as they only had a few inches of snow to move around, but with such strong winds, any snow that could be transported will have been transported.
Look for shallow slabs of wind drifted snow on isolated upper elevation terrain features that snow could be deposited, such as ridgelines and gullies. While these slabs will be primarily on the south and east end of the compass, such high winds can deposit snow on all aspects. Any fresh wind slabs on the north aspects will be easier to trigger since it will be resting on weak recrystallizing powder.
Look for any slopes with signs of wind drifted snow, and avoid those slopes.
A photo from Cardiac Ridge of the shallow type of wind slabs you can expect to find today (Photo: M. White)
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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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