Human Factor Research: Researchers Ian McCammon and Sara Boilen are developing new tools for managing human factors for backcountry skiers and boarders. This survey asks about personal experiences with human factors and will take 7-8 minutes to complete. Link is HERE.
Overnight, there were scattered clouds, and temperatures dropped into the mid 30s °F, only dropping to freezing around 11,000'. Winds have continued to blow from the west at moderate speeds with strong gusts of around 30-45 mph at ridgetops, and have begun ticking up over the last few hours with gusts near 60 mph along the highest peaks. Given the broken variable cloud cover and slightly warmer temperatures, I'd expect a more superficial refreeze this morning compared to the last few.
Today, the variable cloud cover will remain, with a slight chance of rain and snow showers. This includes a slight chance of thunderstorms, mainly during the afternoon. Expect moderate winds from the west, with gusts around 30 mph along the high ridges. Temperatures will rise to the upper 50s °F and low 60s °F.
Looking ahead, things are going to cool down and get stormy this weekend through early next week, though we are still working out the details. Saturday brings the first system, followed by a colder and more promising storm Sunday into Monday. Snow levels should stay below 8,000 feet for that second system, with expected snowfall ranging from light on Saturday (0.14 to 0.70" SWE) to more substantial Sunday and Monday (0.80 to 1.80" SWE).
No new avalanches were reported from the backcountry on Wednesday. On Tuesday, a skier triggered a soft slab avalanche in Wolverine Cirque on a steep northeast-facing slope at 10,500 feet. The skier was briefly caught before skiing off the slab. On Monday, a few natural wet-loose avalanches occurred on solar aspects in upper Little Cottonwood Canyon. Recent observations can be found here.
