A snowmobiler on Whiskey Hill triggered a wind slab on a NE-facing slope near 8900' yesterday. These slabs will mostly be at upper elevations, and may not give any warning signs like cracking and collapsing before releasing. While these may be small, they can knock you off your feet quite easily….be mindful of what you’re skiing over.

Snowmobile-triggered wind slab on Whiskey Hill near Monte Cristo yesterday.

Our newest snow has seen two days of full sun (in some areas) and warming temperatures. Today, temps continue to climb near freezing with another day of sun. Expect the new snow to warm throughout the day on slopes that face the sun, with the chance of wet snow avalanches increasing into the afternoon.

Watch the surface snow throughout the day. If you're noticing its becoming more wet and saturated—easier to make a snowball with—then these slides are on the menu. Wet, loose avalanches are most likely on steep slopes close to rocky outcroppings. Roller balls and pin wheels are warning signs to change aspects or head back to the truck.

Both Derek Debruin and UAC Forecaster Greg Gagne noted that while facets are still present at the base of the snowpack, the problem is likely going dormant in the Ogden Zone. Greg's words from Bailey Springs yesterday paint a good picture:

"The presence of facets in a snowpack is always a concern, and I imagine there may be some outlying areas at the uppermost elevations where the crust is thinner and there are facets below, but given there has been no indication of natural avalanche activity along the Ogden Skyline, and the snowpack I looked at in these two field days, I feel confident the facets at uppermost elevations are gaining strength and are shielded by the very strong holiday crusts above."

There remains some uncertainty, as always. Caution is recommended on any steep rocky terrain on the northerly aspects, particularly in the upper elevations.

DeBruin photo from the snowpack on Cutler Ridge yesterday.