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Forecast for the Salt Lake Area Mountains

Mark Staples
Issued by Mark Staples on
Thursday morning, February 18, 2016

The overall avalanche danger is MODERATE today. Loose, wet snow avalanches are possible at low elevations. At mid and high elevations, fresh wind slabs will create heightened avalanche conditions on wind loaded slopes. The avalanche danger and the size of these wind slabs should increase this afternoon.

Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
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With the freedom of the backcountry comes responsibility. This social responsibility in avalanche terrain is paramount as backcountry use explodes. In this video, we'll outline three key factors that are imperative to protect ourselves as well as the access we have to backcountry terrain. Utah Avalanche Center Teton Gravity Research #KnowBeforeYouGo

Posted by Know Before You Go on Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Weather and Snow

Conditions will be changing rapidly today with very strong winds, new snow, and some rain at low elevations. Yesterday riding conditions were not too good with a variety of crusts on the snow surface. The rain/snow line this morning is hovering between 7500 and 8000 feet with 1-2 inches of dense, new snow above this elevation. Southerly winds have been blowing 20-40 mph gusting 60-70 mph.

Recent Avalanches

There was no significant avalanche activity reported during the last two days.

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Avalanche Problem #1
Wind Drifted Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description

With some new snow and very strong, southerly winds, watch for small, fresh wind slabs this morning. More snow and more strong winds will arrive around noon, and the avalanche danger and the size of fresh wind slabs should increase this afternoon.

Avalanche Problem #2
Wet Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description

With some rain at low elevations, loose wet avalanches are possible. The danger of this problem should drop later today when a cold front and cooler temperatures are expected to arrive.

Additional Information

There will be a break in precipitation this morning, and a cold front in Nevada should reach Utah around noon. It will bring Intense snowfall and strong winds from the SW. Some lightning was occurring along the cold front this morning, and lightning is possible when it reaches the Wasatch mountains. Temperatures will drop this afternoon and be in the mid to low 20's F by late afternoon. Another 3-6 inches of snow should fall by this evening.

General Announcements

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, email by clicking HERE, or include #utavy in your tweet or Instagram.

To get help in an emergency (to launch a rescue) in the Wasatch, call 911. Be prepared to give your GPS coordinates or the run name. Dispatchers have a copy of the Wasatch Backcountry Ski map.

Backcountry Emergencies. It outlines your step-by-step method in the event of a winter backcountry incident.

If you trigger an avalanche in the backcountry, but no one is hurt and you do not need assistance, please notify the nearest ski area dispatch to avoid a needless response by rescue teams. Thanks.

Salt Lake and Park City – Alta Central (801-742-2033), Canyons Resort/PCMR Dispatch (435)615-1911

Snowbasin Resort Dispatch (801-620-1017), Powder Mountain Dispatch (801-745-3772 x 123).

Sundance Dispatch (801-223-4150)

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Ski Utah mobile snow updates

To those skinning uphill at resorts: it is your responsibility to know the resort policy on uphill travel. You can see the uphill travel policy for each resort here. IMPORTANT: Before skinning or hiking at a resort under new snow conditions, check in with Ski Patrol. Resorts can restrict or cut off access if incompatible with control and grooming operations.

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This information does not apply to developed ski areas or highways where avalanche control is normally done. This advisory is from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This advisory describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always exist.