Mirror Lake Highway is currently open, but don't let this easy access to the western Uintas lull you into a false sense of security just because you can see your car from a nearby ridge or mountain top. The Uinta snowpack is notoriously sketchy and much weaker than you might find in the central Wasatch. If you're getting into steep terrain, be prepared for your own self rescue- that means wear and know how to use an avalanche beacon, shovel and probe.

While the avalanche danger is generally LOW, there are still places where you could trigger a slide today. Likely suspects are steep, upper elevation wind drifted slopes, especially those with a pre-existing snowpack, facing east, northeast, north and northwest. In this type of terrain a MODERATE avalanche danger exists and human triggered avalanches are possible.

Skies cleared out late yesterday as high pressure becomes firmly entrenched over the region. Currently, temperatures are in the mid teens and northeasterly winds are blowing 10-20 mph with a few gusts in the low 30's along the high ridges. If you're looking for a few early season turns or just want to take the sled out for a spin I gotta tell you, it's pretty grim out there. High and dry weather along with no measurable new snowfall for a week has left the Uintas looking white from far, but they're far from white. Above about 9,500' total snow depths only average 2' or so. Limited riding and turning conditions can be found on upper elevation, north facing, rock free slopes and meadows and low angle terrain is your best bet for turns.

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High pressure takes hold of our weather pattern today, lingering through at least mid week, providing mostly sunny skies and warming temperatures. Today, northeasterly winds will be a nuisance, blowing in the 20's and 30's before dying off late this afternoon. High temperatures reach into the low to mid 30's with overnight lows near 20 degrees. Looking into the future, a small glimmer of hope for a storm late in the week, but right now there are no big storms in sight.

The information in this advisory expires 24 hours after the date and time posted, but will be updated by 7:00 AM Saturday December 5th.

If you’re getting out and about and trigger an avalanche or see anything interesting please drop me an email at craig@utahavalanchecenter.org or call 801-231-2170

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.