BOTTOM LINE

Danger by aspect and elevation on slopes approaching 35° or steeper.
(click HERE for tomorrow's danger rating)

Danger Rose Tutorial

There is a MODERATE danger and wind slab avalanches are possible on steep slopes in exposed upper elevation terrain. Wet avalanches are also possible on steep slopes with saturated snow. Remember to use wise backcountry travel protocols--only one at a time, and avoid crossing above or under others...

CURRENT CONDITIONS

Rain and freezing rain fell even at the highest elevations yesterday, turning the fresh snow into custard. In open areas at upper elevations a shin-cutting ice crust formed on the snow surface. At least the coverage is improving a bit. There's 15 inches on the ground containing just under 3 inches of SWE at the Tony Grove Snotel.

THREAT #1

WHERE

PROBABILITY

SIZE

TREND

Over the next 24 hours.

The ice crust will probable keep most snow in place, but any loose or new stuff will move and be redeposited under very windy conditions today.

There are also some booby-trap wind slabs near upper elevation ridges and in terrain features like gullies and scoops...Yesterday, I noticed a weak layer consisting of light stellars and graupel which consistently failed easily under about a foot of drifted and then ice-crusted over snow.

THREAT #2

WHERE

PROBABILITY

SIZE

TREND

Over the next 24 hours.

The danger of wet avalanches will decrease as temperatures drop this afternoon...

MOUNTAIN WEATHER

Winds will increase out of the west today and stay fairly strong through tonight. A front passing to our north and east will brush by the Bear River Range and we may be lucky enough to pick of a few inches before its all over. A broad ridge of high pressure will move in for the weekend, with clear skies, air trapped in the valleys, and warm daytime temperatures in the mountains.

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Friends of the Utah Avalanche Center in Logan will present the annual fund-raiser party at the Bullen Center on Friday, November 21st. Proceeds will help support your local avalanche center right here in Logan. Hope to see you there.

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.

This advisory provided by the USDA Forest Service, in partnership with:

The Friends of the Utah Avalanche Center, Utah Division of State Parks and Recreation, Utah Division of Emergency Management, Salt Lake County, Salt Lake Unified Fire Authority and the friends of the La Sal Avalanche Center. See our Sponsors Page for a complete list.