A Level 1 (Low) avalanche danger will be found this weekend in nearly all terrain throughout the Skyline.

Skies are clear and most locations are reporting temperatures in the upper teens and low 20’s… a few degrees warmer than it is in Ephriam this morning. Winds are light, blowing west and northwest at speeds of 5-15 mph along the ridges. Total snow depths are quite thin, only averaging about a foot with some favored locations reaching closer to 18”. Rock free meadows and road rides are our only options right now.

One small point release near the summit was reported by Steve Cote otherwise it’s been pretty quiet. Crafty riders like Sean Busby have found ways to salvage this less than stellar start to the winter, finding good riding conditions off the beaten track. Click here for recent observations and trip reports.

Clear skies and warm temperatures are slated for the weekend with highs reaching into the low to mid 30’s. Overnight lows dip into the low 20’s and winds begin switch to the southwest on Sunday as the ridge of high pressure shifts east. A slight chance of snow develops for Tuesday before clear weather returns for midweek. There’s a glimmer of hope for a storm around Thursday, but the computer models aren’t too optimistic at the moment.

The information in this advisory expires 24 hours after the date and time posted, but will be updated by 7:00 AM Saturday, December 17th.

Your observations- snowpack, weather, avalanche, or just plain riding conditions are crucial to the success of this program and will help keep other riders alive! Please tell us what you’re seeing so we can provide the most accurate information. If you see or trigger an avalanche you can reach me craig@utahavalanchecenter.org or call 801-231-2170 or better yet, follow the links here to post your own observations.

Also, now is a great time to schedule one of our free avalanche awareness presentations for your group or club. Email or call me and we’ll get you booked before things get too crazy.