Elevated avalanche conditions exist at all elevations in the backcountry. Last week's heavy snow and drifting overloaded many slopes plagued by buried weak layers and poor snow structure. Dangerous human-triggered avalanches remain possible for people to trigger, especially on previously drifted upper and mid-elevation slopes. No new avalanches were reported since the weekend, but observers continue to report audible collapses or "wumpfs" from across the zone. Collapsing indicates unstable snow and real potential for dangerous slab avalanches failing on a buried persistent weak layer. Tuesday in Providence Canyon we triggered a couple wumpfs, but we also noted mixed test results and apparently improving overall stability. As more snow overloads slopes with buried persistent weak layers the danger will rise significantly. Avalanche forecaster Nikki Champion explains;

Today will start cloudy, becoming mostly sunny in the mountains with high temperatures at 8500' around 19° F and 13 to 15 mph west winds. Snow is expected tomorrow, with 3 to 5 inches of accumulation possible. Avalanche conditions will surely worsen this weekend, as a prolonged period of snowy weather is expected Saturday night through early next week, with potential for substantial accumulations in the Bear River Range.