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.

I'll be giving a free avalanche awareness talk designed specifically for snowmobilers today at 3:00 at Tri-City Performance in Springville.

The avalanche danger is generally LOW and human triggered avalanches are unlikely. Remember- LOW doesn't mean NO and there may be an old wind slab or two that could still be reactive to your additional weight.

What a way to run a winter! With no new snow for nearly two weeks it's looking pretty grim out there. Above about 9,500' total snow depths only average 12"-16". 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. Currently, temperatures are in the mid teens at both the trailheads and along the upper elevation ridges. West and southwest winds are blowing 15-25 mph with a few higher gusts at the most exposed locations.

Click here for snowpits and recent pictures.

A cold front slides through the region today bringing with it a slight chance of accumulating snowfall. Storm totals will be in the 1"-3" range by Sunday morning. Today's high temperatures barely climb out of the upper teens before crashing into negative territory tonight. West and southwest winds back off during the day and should average 10-20 mph. Sunday looks like an in-between weather day and another system slides through the region for the beginning of next week, though this system should affect central and southern Utah. A promising storm arrives for us later in the week.

The information in this advisory expires 24 hours after the date and time posted, but will be updated by 7:00 AM Sunday December 6th.

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.