The first in a series of winter storms is on the doorstep. This first two-punch storm will usher in periods of heavy snowfall to the mountains with snow dropping to near the valley floors. Snowfall is expected through Monday afternoon with up to 12-18" possible in the higher elevations favored by a southwest flow. Mountain temperatures will drop to the mid to upper teens by Sunday. The storm track looks active for us for the next week or two.

Remember that for all intents and purposes, this new snowfall will be falling onto bare ground and great caution should be observed for anyone trying to eke out a turn or two over the next several days.

1. Hitting rocks and stumps is a real danger. Don't end your season before it starts with an injury from hitting one of these obstacles.
2. Early season avalanches are a real possibility. It doesn't matter if you are hiking, hunting, skiing, etc., be prepared with rescue gear and a partner. Many people have died during early season snowstorms. Listen to our UAC podcast episode The Day of Madness in Little Cottonwood Canyon about a bad day in November 2011 when many avalanches were triggered resulting in a tragic fatality.
3. Ski resorts all have different uphill travel policies. These closed resorts that allow uphill travel can be great places to get in a little skiing especially in you know of a rock-free slope, but it should be treated as backcountry terrain. We will soon have an up to date resource on all the ski resorts individual policies.

1. Check out the free online avalanche course material and e-learning materials available.
2. Start looking at weather patterns in areas you plan to ski this upcoming winter. A full list of mountain weather stations can be found HERE.
3. Freshen up on how to read the forecast page.
4. Look over all of your gear and make sure everything is in good, working order.
5. Sign up for an avalanche class! Get it on the schedule early.