Persistent weak layers have been reactivated by the sheer volume and added water weight of the recent new snow. The tipping point seemed to occur Wednesday night when numerous deep, destructive avalanches released naturally on low and mid elevation, north through southeast facing slopes. They consistently failed on faceted weak snow just above the mid-December rain crust. These types of avalanches are not to be trifled with - they can lure you way out onto them before releasing. Taking a ride will lead to a bad outcome. You can easily avoid this problem by sticking to slopes less than 30 degrees and giving the snowpack a few more days to adjust to the new load.

*Snowmobilers should pay particular attention today - snowmobiles weigh much more than a skier and, with the force they exert on the snowpack, might have an easier time triggering a deeper avalanche.

Photos of natural avalanche cycle 1/11-1/12 near Cutler Ridge (photos: Hardesty/Wewer)

The deep crown of one of many natural avalanches in the Cutler Ridge area. (photo: M. Henderson)

The storm snow itself is stabilizing quickly with not very much activity reported. The snow is sitting right side up with lighter density surface conditions looking like real Utah powder. We did just get alot of snow though over the last week which theoretically needs time to settle and strengthen. There are weak layers within the new snow that may still be triggered with the weight of a skier. Look for red flags like cracking or collapsing in the upper snowpack - these are obvious signs to stay on slopes less than 30 degrees. At upper elevations, you might see some loose snow sluffs in the upper layers where the snow is drier. At lower elevations, where temperature highs are forecast to reach 32 F, keep on eye out for wet activity, like rollerballs, which indicates increasing instability.

Cornices built up during the strong storm winds will still be sensitive and should be avoided. They may break back further than you expect. The weight of a cornice dropping on to a slope below may enough to trigger a subsequent avalanche.

Winds have been relatively calm over the past 24 hours though they did crank during the storm. Most wind slabs will be at high elevations near ridgelines as well as other exposed terrain features like sub-ridges and gullies. Some of these wind slabs may be hard to see under the new snow so pay close attention to changes underfoot - avoid hollow-sounding or chalky feeling snow on steep slopes.