Please do everything possible to avoid getting hurt for yourself and the greater good. As you decide where and how to travel in the backcountry, consider adding just a little extra margin of safety.
Announcement: Please visit this
website with information about Responsible Winter Recreation by the Utah Office of Outdoor Recreation.
Skies are clear. Ain't it a shame.
Winds are westerly and generally less than 15mph.
Mountain temperatures are in the mid-to upper 20s.
Snow coverage is best described as "early season". Only 5-10" of snow exists on the ground but you might find up to 18" in some wind drifted areas up high. The snow that does exist is beat up and hammered by wind, sun, and thermal crusts. Even the north facing slopes developed a thin crust from the scorching temperatures earlier this week. The south facing slopes should soften somewhat today with direct sun and warming temperatures.
At this point, there's really not enough snow to slide around on and mountain boots, poles, and an ice-axe may be your best bet.
For today, we'll have sunny skies, light westerly winds and mountain temps reaching into the mid-40s.
For Sunday, we'll see warmer temperatures, increasing clouds and southwest winds ahead of a weak cold front for Monday. We may see a trace-2" if we're lucky.
Another weak storm arrives on Thanksgiving.
No new avalanches were reported from the backcountry yesterday.
