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 bottom line is a thin, patchy snow pack offers very few opportunities for turning and riding. The chance of triggering a slide is much less likely than injury by hitting a rock or stump. |
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CURRENT CONDITIONS |
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One glance at the peaks tells the story – winter really hasn’t arrived yet. Patches of turn able snow remain on the higher, shady slopes, but the hazard of hitting rocks is increasing daily as the snow thins and weakens. If you’re using the ribbons of packed, manmade snow at the closed resorts to access the higher terrain, be courteous to the workers. |
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THREAT #1 |
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PROBABILITY |
SIZE |
TREND |
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Over the next
24 hours.
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There’s not much of an avalanche danger at the moment, though again, the chance of hitting a rock and ending the season with a broken bone is significant. If we’re stuck with a thin snowpack, the warmer and sunnier the better. In many locations, the snow has warmed and strengthened. However, above about 10,300’, the snow on the steep, shady terrain is weakening. In some areas, the buried crusts are more friable and breakable, and the late October snow has turned to loose, sugary, near surface facets - a potential weak layer. |
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MOUNTAIN WEATHER |
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Weather wise, it’s a waiting game. A mild, southwest flow will be over the area through midweek, with interest focused on the Pacific storm system forecast to impact the state late in the week. Late Wednesday night through Thursday will be the best chance for mountain snow, with cooling temperatures bringing snow down to the 5000’ level. There is potential for a second shot of snow on Saturday. |
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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. |
