We are seeking a passionate individual to join us as
Executive Director of the nonprofit Utah Avalanche Center.
Did you know we record a ~530AM Dawn Patrol hotline? (888-999-4019 option 6)
Nina Simone's "Wild is the Wind" is fitting as strong winds from the south/southwest highlight this morning's weather, with gusts exceeding 60 mph along exposed upper elevation ridgelines. These strong winds are also getting down into the mid and lower elevations, with gusts in the 40's mph. Temperatures range from 25°-35° F.
For today, strong sustained winds from the south/southwest with average wind speeds in the 30's mph, gusting to near 60 mph along the upper elevation ridgelines. Light snow is possible this afternoon, with 1-2" expected; good luck trying to measure it in these winds.
Overnight into Saturday: Our partners at the National Weather Service have issued a
Winter Storm Warning for the Wasatch mountains. Continued strong winds with a cold front arriving sometime Saturday afternoon, accompanied by heavy snowfall. Forecast snowfall amounts vary due to how this storm may set up, but 1' - 2' of snow is forecast for the Ogden mountains by Sunday afternoon, with up to 3' for the Bear River Range.
Thursday's strong winds had little soft snow available for transport and most observations indicated little wind drifting. However, to our south in the Salt Lake mountains, a party triggered a small, 6" wind slab in steep terrain in Days Fork where a rider was caught and carried (photo below). I recommend reading their
thoughtful write-up about the consequences of getting caught in a small slide in steep, complicated terrain.
