LOOKING FOR AN EARLY SEASON AVY TUNEUP?

COME UP TO TRI-CITY'S ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE FROM 9-5 AND MAKE SURE TO SIT IN ON MARK'S VERY INFORMATIVE PRE-SEASON AVY AWARENESS CLASS AT 12:00.

The snowpack has taken a hard hit the past few days and continues shrinking right before our eyes. The bad news is... there are no big storms or even a hint at a pattern change for at least a week. The badder news is... in the absence of additional snow, the pack loses its strength, transforming into a very weak, sugary mess. This makes for a potentially dangerous setup once winter decides to return from its hiatus.

Unfortunately, there is no big pattern change in sight.

Ted was around Whitney Basin this week and found upper elevation, shady terrain holding snow from the early and mid October storms. While the other half of the compass offers late Autumn trail riding.

It'll be a minute or two before we're riding, but in the mean time here's 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. 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 snow storms. Listen to this podcast episode about a bad day in November 2011 when many avalanches were triggered and pro skier Jamie Pierre died.
3. Ski resorts all have different uphill travel policies. Some are closed, like Snowbird, others are open. These closed resorts 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. More info HERE but check with each resort for the latest info.

Click here for real time Uinta winds, temperatures, and snow depth.