While snow over the last week has been a welcome site throughout the region, it also comes with increased danger in the backcountry. U.S. Forest Service is alerting those in northern and eastern Utah that the significant snowfall received means rising avalanche danger. “Normally, spring brings a deep snowpack and increased snow stability,” shares the announcement. “Avalanche forecasters often see powder days in March with mostly stable snow and low avalanche danger in the backcountry. This March, conditions are different and Utah Avalanche Center avalanche forecasters are finding widespread buried persistent weak layers consisting of sugary faceted snow across the mountains in Utah, making conditions tricky and more dangerous than they typically are this time of year.” Anyone choosing to venture into the backcountry should have operational avalanche rescue gear and be sure everyone in your party knows how to use it. Also be sure to check conditions daily at www.utahavalanchecenter.org.
