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Currently, skies are partly cloudy, with trace amounts to 1 inch of new snow since yesterday evening, bringing storm totals to between 6 and 22.5 inches. Trailhead temperatures are in the low teens °F, while the highest peaks are in the single digits °F. Winds at mid-elevation ridgelines have shifted more westerly, blowing in the single digits and gusting into the teens. At the highest ridgelines, winds are gusting near 30 MPH, with overnight gusts reaching up to the upper 50s MPH.
Today, skies will be mostly overcast with occasional snow showers. Temperatures will rise into the upper 20s and low 30s °F, with winds from the northwest at 5-10 MPH, gusting to 20 MPH at lower ridgelines. At the highest ridgelines, winds will blow 5-15 MPH, gusting to 25 MPH. Expect 0.5 to 3 inches of snow by 5 PM, with showers tapering off later tonight.
Yesterday saw a widespread avalanche cycle across the Salt Lake area mountains, with at least 13 avalanches reported to the UAC so far—
though the actual number is likely much higher. Slides ranged from 3 to 20 inches deep and up to 200 feet wide. Human-triggered avalanches were observed in
Michigan City,
Argenta,
Silver Fork,
Georges Bowl, and multiple locations in Days Fork, while natural avalanches occurred in
Lanes Leap,
Monitors, and
Days Fork.
Most avalanches failed on a density change within the recent snow, with many occurring during peak precipitation intensity between 8 a.m. and noon. Ski patrol observed widespread sensitivity, with soft slabs up to 16 inches deep reacting to ski cuts and explosives.
Avalanche cycle in Upper Little Cottonwood - Gagne
Check out all recent avalanches and observations
HERE.