SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT |
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Celebrating the onset of winter, first snowfalls and the opening of Utah's ski resorts, executive chef Nathan Powers of the award-winning Bambara, a downtown Kimpton restaurant, has created "Snowstorm" specials to benefit the Utah Avalanche Center. From Monday, November 1 through Friday, November 12, a dollar from each “Snowstorm” special (only $13) will be donated to the UAC. For more info, find them online. |
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BOTTOM LINE
Danger by aspect and elevation on slopes approaching 35° or steeper.
(click HERE for tomorrow's danger rating)
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Danger Rose Tutorial
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The avalanche danger is generally LOW. It is probably possible to trigger very shallow loose snow sluffs in steep terrain along the highest ridges in the Ogden area mountains. And definitely keep an eye on wind speeds. Any increase in wind speeds will transport snow, create shallow, sensitive drifts. Rocks hidden beneath the snow surface may be the most dangerous problem out there, so be careful not to end your season before it starts. |
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CURRENT CONDITIONS |
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Under mostly cloudy skies, temperatures are in the mid teens to low twenties, with a sprinkling of single digits across the highest terrain. The northerly winds are very light, with most stations averaging less than 5 mph.
Checking weather stations in the Ogden area mountains, the snowpack there seems to be in the 12 inch range. The northerly facing slopes in the upper elevations of the Cottonwood Canyons and Provo mountains have up to 3’ of snow on the ground, topped off with classic light powder. Unfortunately, snow depths rapidly taper to about 1 foot on the sunnier slopes and as you drop in elevation. |
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RECENT ACTIVITY |
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We have no observations from the Ogden area mountians. While the snowpack may be too thin for turning, if anyone is getting out at all or hiking, please send us a line on average snow depths and conditions. Thanks! Yesterday, skier initiated sluffs on steep slopes were possible, but most sluffs were reluctant to move and stopped at the very first excuse. One observer did note a few natural sluffs cascading off cliff bands during a period of particularly heavy instability showers. |
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THREAT #1 |
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PROBABILITY |
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TREND |
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Over the next
24 hours.
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Triggering loose snow sluffs is again possible today, but only on steep slopes. Most of these sluffs are so small as to be harmless, but watch out if you’re in more radical terrain – such as continuously steep confined chutes, or above cliffs, where getting knocked off balance could have more serious consequences. With a shallow, early season snowpack, it’s important to keep track of all the layers to the ground, especially any crusts or facets. Quick hand and pole pits are a great way to check out the layering at the moment. |
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THREAT #2 |
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PROBABILITY |
SIZE |
TREND |
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Over the next
12 hours.
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If the wind speeds increase this afternoon, all that loose powder snow will start to blow around and could form sensitive drifts along the ridges. These soft drifts, sitting on weak, low density snow, will be easy to trigger with slope cuts on steep slopes, and may be just large enough to surprise you.
Now is the time to establish those good habits that help keep us safe. Wear your beacon and practice with it, and use those safe travel habits – one at a time on steep slopes and find safe places to get out of your partners’ way when you stop. |
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MOUNTAIN WEATHER |
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A cool northerly flow will persist across the region through the upcoming weekend and into next week. This will produce mostly cloudy skies in northern Utah, with a chance for light snow fall late Friday into Saturday and again on Sunday. For today, partly cloudy skies, with very light northerly winds, less than 15 mph. Temperatures will warm into the mid 20’s today, and drop back down into the low teens tonight. Partly cloudy skies again tomorrow, and slightly warmer temperatures, with highs near 30. |
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GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS |
For the Wasatch Powderbird Guides schedule go to their blog
Dawn Patrol Forecast Hotline, updated by 05:30: call 888-999-4019, option 8,
Daily observations are frequently posted by 10 pm each evening.
You can get a free iPhone application from Canyon Sports to display the Bottom Line.
To get a daily avalanche advisory e-mail click HERE.
For a text only version click the upper left link under Search
For canyon closures call UDOT at (801) 975-4838
Send us your avalanche and snow observations. You can also call 801-524-5304 or 800-662-4140, or email to uac@utahavalanchecenter.org
Donate to your favorite non-profit – The Friends of the Utah Avalanche Center. The UAC depends on contributions from users like you to support our work.
We will update this advisory by 7:30 tomorrow morning. |
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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. |
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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. |
