The avalanche danger is generally MODERATE. Human triggered avalanches are possible. Watch for instabilities within the new snow especially in areas where the wind has drifted it into fresh slabs.
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Weather and SnowIt's currently snowing in the upper Cottonwood Canyons. The couple of periods of snow we've had over the last 24 hours are improving riding conditions and haven't dramatically increased the avalanche danger. The upper Cottonwoods and Park City Ridgeline picked up 4 to 5 inches on Wednesday and a few more inches this morning. The rain/snow line crept up to around 7500 feet or a bit higher on Thursday. Temperatures were fairly mild overnight hovering around freezing at 8000 feet and in the mid 20s along the ridges. Westerly winds have bumped up a bit in speed with a gust near 60 at 11,000 feet and some gusts in the 20s along the mid elevation ridges.
Recent AvalanchesWe received a report of one skier unintentionally triggered avalanche in steep north facing terrain along the upper Days Fork headwall on Wednesday. It was triggered as the skier was ascending the slope. He was briefly caught in the 8 inch deep slab and was able to self arrest before going for a ride. Anticipate some more pockets like this today.
Basically, your job out there today is to pay attention to how sensitive the new snow is on top of the old locked up snow. Areas with freshly formed wind drifts will be the likely places to trigger something. Often people are more likely to accept bigger risk in times of a MODERATE avalanche danger but don't let your guard down. Follow safe backcountry protocol and use ski cuts prior to getting onto steep slopes. The potential size of the slides today won't pose much threat to snowmobilers but a skier might get surprised. Watch for cross loaded terrain features on all aspects.
CROSS LOADING:
We're going to see a few periods of snow this morning which could add up to a few more inches. Snow levels should drop down to around 6000 feet and ridgetop temperatures should remain in the 20s. Northwest winds will be a bit gusty and should decrease later this afternoon as skies clear a bit also. Continued cooler unsettled weather will persist through the weekend with another small shot of snow possible on Friday then perhaps showers on Sunday again.
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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)
Powder Mountain Ski Patrol Dispatch (801-745-3772 ex 123)
Provo – Sundance Patrol Dispatch (801-223-4150)
Dawn Patrol Forecast Hotline, updated by 05:30: 888-999-4019 option 8.
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Daily observations are frequently posted by 10 pm each evening.
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UDOT canyon closures UDOT at (801) 975-4838Wasatch Powderbird Guides does daily updates about where they'll be operating on this bloghttp://powderbird.blogspot.com/ .Remember your information can save lives. If you see anything we should know about, please participate in the creation of our own community avalanche advisory by submitting snow and avalanche conditions. You can also call us at 801-524-5304 or 800-662-4140, email by clicking HERE, or include #utavy in your tweet.
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For a print version of this advisory click HERE.
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.
