Tuesday - December 25, 2007 - 7:07 am

SUMMARY >>>

So, on steep and wind drifted slopes and those of a northerly aspect - be wary!
The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE, inching towards HIGH, which is scary.

Human triggered avalanches are probable, natural slides could take place, 
Avoid getting caught, for fresh tracks - it's not a race.

With so much new snow, avalanche conditions are serious out there,
Other steep slopes have a MODERATE danger, so take care.

But if you play on slopes less steep than 35, fun can be had, 
Enjoy the lower, wind sheltered terrain, and you won't be sad.

So be careful as you enjoy all the beautiful white, 
We wish you all wonderful holidays, and a safe return home tonight.

Forecaster: Evelyn Lees

CURRENT CONDITIONS >>>

The Wasatch are covered in a fresh layer of white,
Much to the snowshoers and skiers delight.

Why, just overnight, another 8-16 inches fell,
That makes 3 to 5 feet this week - do tell!!

The powder will be deep, and fluffy and light,
It's the stuff in which `bilers and boarders like to take flight.

Overnight, with speeds in the 40's to 60's, the northwesterly winds really blew,
Gusting and blowing from a southwesterly direction, too.

Now wind speeds have dropped into the 15 to 25 mph range,
Still fast, but from last night's strong speeds that's quite a change.

The winds have shifted to the north northwest,
And across the high ridges are blowing their best.

With temperatures near five, watch out for your nose,
Cold toes and cold fingers - wear lots of clothes.

RECENT AVALANCHES AND SNOWPACK INFO >>>

Yesterday, explosives let loose one more deep slide,
And several sensitive wind slabs were kicked off the mountain side.

So there are two avalanche problems to worry about today,
Both new wind drifts and weak facets will come into play.

AVALANCHE CONCERNS >>>

First, for the new snow, accompanied by the wind so strong,
Triggering a wind drift will make your day go easily wrong.

The snow is drifted in the upper terrain, along ridges and rocks,
But also at mid and low elevations, anywhere the terrain the wind blocks.

The new snow and wind drifts are common on slopes facing east,
But watch for crossloading, only very sheltered low elevations have the least.

Sensitive cornices, drifts from slope top to slope toe,
Stay off those steep wind drifted slopes even down low.

Now the sugary facets near the ground continue to be trouble,
They're tricky, inconsistent; any slide will create deep, deep rubble.

They're on upper elevation slopes - facing northwest, north, and northeast
Avoid those steep, shady slopes - don't tease the beast.

The facets could be triggered in a thin, shallow, rocky spot,
They'll break out deep and wide, near the ground in the rot.

A small slide triggered could start down the slope,
Break out an additional slide much deeper than one would hope.

MOUNTAIN WEATHER >>>

Light snow showers and flurries will continue today,
Adding 1 to 3 inches this morning in which to play,

By early afternoon, the sun will peek out and the snow decrease,
Temperatures will stay chilly, only to 15 degrees will they increase

Along the ridges, the northerly winds will continue to flow,
In the 15 to 20 mph range they will blow.

Along the highest ridges the gusts to forty will be stout,
So bundle up warmly if you're out and about.

And for tomorrow, another storm is on tap,
Bringing more snow and wind, across the northern Utah map,

Snow showers through Thursday, more snow on Friday,
It's going to be an incredible beautiful snowy holiday.