Saturday, March 11, 2006  7:30am 
   
   Good morning, this is Brett Kobernik with the Forest Service Utah
   Avalanche Center with your backcountry avalanche and mountain weather
   advisory.  Today is Saturday, March 11, 2006, and its about 7:30 am.

   Current Conditions:

   This period of unseasonably cool temperatures has been a real treat
   for snow lovers.  With temperatures in the teens to low 20s on Friday,
   southerly facing and lower elevation slopes were the only ones that
   were affected by heating.  Winds remained light from the north during
   the day yesterday but have switched to the southeast and picked up
   into the 20 to 30 mph range with a few stronger gusts.  Its currently
   overcast with some light snow in the mountains.

   Recent Avalanche Activity & Snowpack Discussion: 

   Our epic winter in the backcountry continues with good stability but
   its not quite anything goes conditions.  While seasoned veterans
   remark that this is the best winter they can remember as far as ski
   conditions and snow stability, it was interesting watching them
   carefully probing the snow and digging hand pits yesterday, trying to
   gain any clues they could about possible slab conditions that had
   formed from recent winds.  Careful slope cuts and sending one person
   at a time was the norm.  And folks did find some avalanching. 
   
   These avalanches involved wind drifted snow from
   Thursday in the upper elevation terrain on various aspects.  They were
   8 to 18 deep with the widest one about 100 feet wide.  Also, I noted
   on my way out of a lower elevation drainage that some snowshoers were
   able to initiate small wet slides involving the newest snow that had
   become damp from daytime heating.  It appears that they were
   intentionally riding these small slides downhill which is not the
   wisest practice.

   Avalanche problem #1 Wind slabs

   For today, wind slabs will again be our main focus.  Note that the
   winds have picked up and are from an unusual southeast direction.
   Dont be surprised to find an avalanche in wind exposed terrain again
   today.  Continue to probe the snow with your pole feeling for
   hollowness beneath the surface.  Watch for stiff wind textured snow
   and pillowy looking drifts.

   Avalanche problem #2 Wet slides
   
   During this time of the year, wet activity is almost always somewhat
   of a concern especially after any new snow.  Today, lower elevations
   will again be suspect.  Stay out of terrain traps and away from steep
   slopes as things start to warm.  Also, many higher elevations were not
   affected from heating on Friday which means they are still waiting for
   their first period of heating which is the time theyll be the most
   sensitive.  Watch these slopes during any clearing that happens today.

   Bottom Line:

   The avalanche danger is MODERATE today on slopes steeper than 35
   degrees, with recent deposits of wind drifted snow.  There is also a
   MODERATE danger of damp to wet avalanches on steep, sun-exposed and
   lower elevation slopes especially if we see more clearing then
   expected.

   Mountain Weather:

   Winds will blow in the moderate category from the south or southeast.
   Temperatures will again be unseasonably cool in the teens and low
   20s.  Well see cloudy skies with occasional breaks and also chances
   for snow flurries with minor accumulations possible.  Sunday will be
   fairly similar.