A MODERATE avalanche danger exists for triggering a fresh wind drift along the upper elevation ridges. Out of wind affected terrain, the danger is LOW.
Weather and SnowSlightly annoying westerly winds have been stirring things up a bit for the last 24 hours or so. Temperatures seem more seasonal than in recent days with readings in the teens along the ridges. They are much milder as you drop in elevation. Lack of snow cover in the lower elevations makes accessing the higher terrain quite difficult.
Recent AvalanchesWe continue to monitor the November facets which is the most pronounced weak layer now buried near a foot down or so. This layer had me very concerned last week as it was rapidly advancing into a quite loose state when it was on the surface. It has yet to produce any avalanches in the backcountry. Since it’s been buried and with the help of the mild weather, it seems to have improved somewhat into not such an alarming layer. That said, it shouldn’t be dismissed. Weakness around the various rain/rime crusts is something we should also continue to monitor. These crusts vary greatly with change in aspect and elevation. Shallower areas harbor much weaker snow. As it sits now, these various weaknesses don't pose much threat.
Scattered fresh wind drifts will be about your only concern out there today. They are the variety that won’t produce large avalanches but might catch you off guard. I feel that they will be low consequence unless you’re in exposed terrain. I also suspect they’ll be stubborn.
We’ll have clouds and the increasing chance for snow as the day goes on. A cold front will move through this afternoon bringing a period of snow. Stiff winds will start to shift northwest and then more northerly after the frontal passage. Temperatures will drop into the single digits tonight and snow densities will be low. A couple of tenths of an inch of water is expected in two to four inches of snow. Temperatures remain very cold on Sunday. We have two more chances for small snow events into next week.
general annoucements
If you trigger an avalanche in the backcountry - especially if you are adjacent to a ski area – please call the following teams to alert them to the slide and whether anyone is missing or not. Rescue teams can be exposed to significant hazard when responding to avalanches, and do not want to do so when unneeded. Thanks.
Salt Lake and Park City – Alta Central (801-742-2033), Canyons Resort Dispatch (435-615-3322)
Ogden – Snowbasin Patrol Dispatch (801-620-1017)
Provo – Sundance Patrol Dispatch (801-223-4150)
Dawn Patrol Forecast Hotline, updated by 05:30: 888-999-4019 option 8.
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This advisory is produced by the U.S. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. It describes only general avalanche conditions and local variations always exist. Specific terrain and route finding decisions should always be based on skills learned in a field-based avalanche class.
