The avalanche danger is mostly LOW, with pockets of MODERATE danger on any slope approaching 35 degrees or steeper with recent deposits of wind drifted snow.

Under cloudy skies, temperatures are in the mid 20’s to low 30’s throughout the range. Yesterday’s moderate southwesterly winds decreased overnight, and are averaging less than 15 mph at all elevations. The shallow, wind and sun damaged snowpack limits the turning and riding options these days. The upper elevation, northerly facing slopes are holding enough just snow, about 2 to 3’, to make turns, but hitting rocks is common, and make sure you have an exit strategy. Many tours may involve hiking short distances.

No avalanche activity was reported from yesterday, but the strong winds did create a few stiff wind slabs. Check out Current Conditions for the latest observations.

Splitting storm, waning dynamics, and meager moisture – we’ll be lucky to get a flurry out of this one. Skies will be overcast this morning, with a weak cold front struggling across the area late morning. Temperatures will warm into the 30’s, then drop this afternoon into the mid 20’s. Winds will shift to the northeast this afternoon, but remain light, less than 15 mph, with only the highest ridges may have gusts into the 30’s. Clearing skies this afternoon, and sunny tomorrow. The long range forecast (high and dry) has me surfing the web, thinking road trip to somewhere with a bit more snow.

Envision Utah is looking for input on the “Wasatch Canyons Tomorrow” update of the County's 1989 Plan, in partnership with Salt Lake City, the State of Utah and the US Forest Service. There is an online survey “Wasatch Canyons Tomorrow” at http://www.envisionutah.org/index.html .

We will issue our next forecast Sunday morning.

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UDOT highway avalanche control work info can be found by calling (801) 975-4838. Our statewide toll free line is 1-888-999-4019 (early morning, option 8).

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We appreciate avalanche and snow observations. If there’s something we should know about give us a call at (801) 524-5304 or 1-800-662-4140, or email us at uac@utahavalanchecenter.org. (Fax 801-524-6301).

The information in this advisory is from the U.S. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This advisory describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.