Avalanche conditions are generally safe and the danger is LOW. Watch for loose wet avalanches if the snowpack becomes overly saturated. Avoid sagging cornices as they could break back further than you expect.
Special AnnouncementsLift tickets for Snowbasin and Powder Mountain remaining. The tickets are discounted almost 50%. Details and order information here. All proceeds from these go towards paying for avalanche forecasting and education!
Weather and SnowMountain temperatures this morning are relatively warm - Ben Lomond Peak (7688') 37 F, James Peak (9425') 29 F, and Snowbasin (8372') 35 F. West winds are blowing 10-15 mph. Observers noted good corn snow conditions yesterday. Today you'll have your choice of rain soaked snow or a few inches of wet new snow - hhmmm, what to choose?
Many trail heads have melted as have many south facing slopes at low and mid elevation. On north facing slopes at about 8000 feet, snow depths near Snowbasin and Ben Lomond are just over 3 feet, and near Powder Mountain and Monte Cristo they are 4-5 feet.
Recent AvalanchesNo avalanche activity was reported yesterday.
Heads up if you're considering skiing Timpanogos or other peaks further south this spring. The Provo area mountains have a very different and more dangerous snowpack. It's worth reviewing an avalanche cycle that occurred last week in that area. With more precipitation coming this weekend, we'll be watching the snowpack in that area to see how it responds and if more avalanches occur.
The snowpack is mostly stable but it is also somewhat frozen, at least above 8000'. It is snowing or raining this morning depending on your elevation. Mountain temperatures forecast in the mid 30's F should keep any warming related activity at bay today though keep on eye out for loose wet avalanches if we get more than a few inches of wet snow or if temps are warmer than expected. If you see signs of instability like rollerballs or start sinking in above your ankles, it's time to find lower angle terrain. Stay off of and out from under sagging cornices.
It'll be snowing today in the Ogden area mountains, above around 8000'. Temps will be in the mid 30's F and westerly winds should be fairly mild. Accumulations of 2-4" of wet snow is possible. Overnight we'll transition to a warmer, wetter and windier "atmopsheric river" pattern that'll raise the rain/snow line above 9000' on Saturday and potentially drop 1-1.5" of rain. Might be a good day to stay inside and binge watch, well, anything.
Friday Night: A slight chance of rain and snow showers before midnight, then a chance of rain showers. Cloudy, with a low around 37. Southwest wind 7 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Saturday: Showers. High near 47. Breezy, with a southwest wind 18 to 23 mph increasing to 24 to 29 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 43 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.
Saturday Night: Rain showers likely before midnight, then a chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28. Breezy, with a west wind 23 to 28 mph decreasing to 17 to 22 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 41 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch possible.
Sunday: Snow showers likely, mainly before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 39. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.
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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 occur.
