The fast moving storm is on its way out, after dropping a quick 1 to 3" at the low to mid elevations in the Provo area mountains. This wind blown low-density snow is capping off a week of steady snowfall.
While temperatures are actually above zero this morning, double digits readings are scarce, only to be found at the lowest elevations. Winds have varied from the southwest to northwest during the past 24 hours, reaching significant speeds at times of 25 to 35 mph averages at the mid elevations, and to the north, high peaks have also had 35 mph averages across the exposed higher peaks.
Yesterday’s, 5 huge collapses were reported on low angle terrain on Provo peak, by a party that went to 9500’. In the in an area where 2/3’s of the snow pack is old faceted snow.
Excellent recent Provo area observations:
02/24/2018 Avalanche: Provo Peak Provo region Andrew Bentz
02/24/2018 Observation: Mary Ellen Salt Lake region L. Dunn
02/22/2018 Observation: Bobs Knob Provo region Woody
02/21/2018 Avalanche: Provo Provo region Andrew Bentz
Worth noting - in the Salt Lake area mountains, an avalanche was triggered at 9700’ on east facing Raymond Peak, failing on a very thin mid-pack layer of facets sandwiched in between 2 crusts. In addition, numerous small to medium size new snow avalanches and wind drifts were easily triggered.
Photos of east facing Raymond slide - Gagne left, Hardesty right.