“There is no doubt that we’re going to have a dangerous winter in the Wasatch once it snows.” – Trent Meisenheimer, Utah Avalanche Center
Lack of snowfall has caused the existing snow in the Wasatch to become weak, faceted, and sugary—the perfect recipe for avalanches.
And worse yet, there’s no snow expected for northern Utah for at least another week, which will further the snow’s instability.
Once it snows, avalanche conditions will be dangerous.
Be prepared, Utahns!
Ah, yes. The notorious continental snowpack avalanche culprit! For anyone who wants to learn more about what facets are, how they form, and why they’re so bad, check out some of my recent posts:
https://staging.snowbrains.com/your-best-friend-or-worst-enemy-snowpack-temperature-gradient-explained/
https://staging.snowbrains.com/facets-the-science-of-early-season-snowfall-a-curse-in-disguise/