The first two rounds of mid October snowfall were followed by several wind events this past week. The shady slopes in the Ogden area mountains now have 2 to 4" of snow on the ground at the upper elevations, with the Monte Cristo and Farmington Snotels sporting 6 to 8". Most of this snow is now sugary and weak, forming a poor base for any additional snow or wind drifts that develop.

A look at upper elevation snow coverage in the Ogden area mountains. Strawberry, Snowbasin.

Shallow wind drift triggered in the Salt Lake area mountains Thursday. Mark White photo

Saturday: Sunny, with ridgeline highs near 40. Southwesterly winds increasing into the 15 to 25 mph range.

Sunday: Cloudy and cold, with 2-4" of snow possible, and highs along the ridgelines in the teens and low 20s. Northwesterly winds 15 to 25 mph.

Monday through Wednesday: Sunny to partly cloudy, and really cold, with lows 5 to 10 degrees F and highs in the teens and low 20s.

If you go out, there are a few things to remember:

1. Hitting rocks and stumps is a real danger. Don't end your season before it starts with an injury from hitting one of these obstacles.
2. Avalanches are a possibility in upper elevation terrain.... It doesn't matter if you are hiking, hunting, skiing, etc., be prepared with rescue gear and a partner.
3. Ski resorts all have different uphill travel policies. Some are closed, like Snowbird, others are open. These closed resorts can be great places to get in a little skiing especially in you know of a rock free slope, but it should be treated as backcountry terrain. More info HERE but check with each resort for the latest info.

12th Annual Utah Snow and Avalanche Workshop - USAW will be November 2nd this year.

• Register HERE for the regular Saturday session.
• There is a special morning session on Saturday specifically for snowmobilers. Register for that session HERE.
• Lastly there is a special session designed for avalanche workers like ski patrollers on Friday to cover work related topics. Register for that session HERE.