Areas of SE Utah have received 1 to 2 feet of heavy, wet snow in the past 48 hours. More snow is expected over the region for the next two days with periods of intense snow and high winds. This new snow is falling on a very weak layer of old snow creating dangerous avalanche conditions on steep mountain slopes. Avalanche dangers will continue to rise over the next 2 days as a southern storm track brings intense precipitation to Southern Utah and Colorado.

Continued heavy snowfall and high winds will push the Avalanche Danger Rating to HIGH (LEVEL 4). Large and destructive avalanches are likely to occur over the next few days. Backcountry travelers must avoid avalanche slopes and runout zones.

Very dense snow is improving skiing and riding conditions across the Southwest and here in SE Utah as well. Expect to find CONSIDERABLE (level 3) to HIGH (level 4) avalanche danger in mountain terrain in SE Utah. Stay clear of Avalanche Paths and Runout zones.

Very heavy, dense snow is the theme of this storm so far with snow densities measured in the 18-22% percent range. This is much heavier than our normal 5-10% densities and what that means is that this snow really packs a punch. The highest density snow was measured at the end of the day yesterday and the snow we've received is a little bit inverted but skied pretty well. This dense new snow will help our base in the SE Utah Mountains significantly. Snowfall rates dwindled yesterday and did not reach even the low end of forecast amounts, but snowfall is kicking in again as we speak and high winds have not let up. Snow totals so far -Gold Basin 12" new snow 1.9" water. Geyser Pass Snotel 9", 1.5" water, Camp Jackson (Abajo Mtns.) 9" snow, 1.9" water.

The road to the Geyser Pass Trailhead has not been plowed but it was pretty well packed out yesterday by traffic. 4wd required.

Grooming eradicated but all lower trails are marked and the grooming program is underway. Grooming scheduled for Friday.

Limited visibility - Geyser roadcuts have slid naturally.

Forecast for 10,000 feet: More snow through Wed.

Today: Snow and areas of blowing snow. High near 35. Breezy, with a west southwest wind between 15 and 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 4 to 8 inches possible. Tonight: Snow and areas of blowing snow. Low around 26. Breezy, with a southwest wind between 15 and 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 5 to 9 inches possible. Tuesday: Snow. High near 35. Breezy, with a southwest wind between 20 and 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible. Tuesday Night: Snow. Low around 26. Windy, with a south southwest wind between 25 and 30 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible. Wednesday: Snow. High near 35. Breezy, with a south wind between 15 and 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Wednesday Night: Snow. Low around 22. Breezy. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Thursday: A 50 percent chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 32. Thursday Night: A slight chance of snow. Partly cloudy, with a low around 15.

The LSAC will be offering 2 avalanche classes this year. Our yearly Level 1 class will be held January 28, 29 and 30 of this winter season. The level 1 class focuses on avalanche phenomena, recognition and management of terrain where you might encounter these beasts and basic rescue.

This season, if we can pick up 6 participants, we are also hoping to do a Level 2 class. Tenative dates for the class are February 3-6. It is a 4-day class reviewing the basics covered in level 1, then carrying the subject matter further, exploring snowpack formation, crystal analysis, climactic effects and advanced rescue.

Call 435-636-3363 and speak to Dave or Max for more information or to sign up for one of the classes.