We are deeply saddened to confirm two avalanche fatalities. The first involved a 38 year old man in Main Porter Fork of Mill Creek Canyon who went missing on Saturday. The second avalanche fatality occurred yesterday that involved a 54 year old man off Davenport Hill into Silver Fork of BCC. Both individuals were traveling alone in the backcountry. Our condolences go out to to the family and friends of the victims.
Many thanks to those who responded to these accidents: search and rescue teams from AirMed, LifeFlight, Utah Dept Public Safety, Utah Department of Transportation, Salt Lake County Search and Rescue, Wasatch Backcountry Rescue, Alta Ski Area, and members of the Utah Avalanche Center.
Skies are becoming overcast as temperatures slowly warm ahead of this next storm. Winds from the west and southwest have already started to increase and are blowing 20-25mph with gusts to 35. Snowfall should begin in the afternoon with possible storm totals of 4-8" overnight. Unfortunately, I'm seeing the storm come in upside down, with snow becoming more dense over time. Accompanying winds will be moderate to strong from the west.
Snow coverage has radically improved at the mid and upper elevations as storm totals in the Ogden mountains ranged from 30-40" with 4-4.75" of snow water equivalent. This storm did allow for a relatively high rain/snow line to perhaps 7000' or so. Greg Gagne and partners toured up by the Rodeo Ridge yesterday and their report is
HERE>
Large natural and human triggered avalanches have been reported in the Ogden area mountains over the last several days, with many of them certainly large and destructive (see Kauffman's pic of the Ben Lomond headwall below). Avalanche control work at the ski areas have pulled out both shallow storm slabs and deeper releases into our persistent weak layer of old weak faceted snow.
Reminder: Please call your closest ski patrol dispatch
(INFO) if you happen to witness a new avalanche and are sure there is no one involved. This allows rescue teams to stand down and not stick their necks out if they're not needed. Thank you -
A recent list can be found
HERE 
