Park City Blog

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Wind and Snow and Wind

— Posted by Mark on December 19, 2008

I don't have much time to post right now; been a very busy few days with our current storm/avalanche cycle. The text below was taken from the Utah Avalanche Center's morning advisory. Keep in mind, this is a Backcountry advisory and does not apply to ski areas (such as PCMR) where Avalanche Hazard Reduction work is done:

Friday, December 19, 2008

Created at 6:47 am
Updated at 6:57 am

Forecaster: bruce tremper

AVALANCHE WARNING »

Dangerous avalanche conditions are occurring or are imminent. Backcountry travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.

Notice:

"I have an avalanche warning in effect for the Wasatch Range and the Uinta Mountains. Strong winds and heavy snow will overload buried weak layers in the snowpack, making large and dangerous avalanches."

Now I included the UAC note because A, this would not be a good couple days to venture into the back-country and B, our yet to be opened areas such as Jupiter and the East Face ARE backcountry terrain right now. In fact we've had several dangerous natural avlanches in these areas the last few days including this morning.

We have openend much new terrain today (Blue Slip Bowl, the Thayne's, Hoist, Double Jack, Keystone) and should be opening more tomorrow, so there's plenty powder for all. PLEASE PLEASE dont' be dumb, stick to open terrain within ski areas or low angle terrain in the backcountry until things settle out.