By Rebecca Vallett
The snowstorm that buried the Wasatch Front in over a foot of powder this weekend has increased avalanche danger significantly.
Bruce Tremper from the Utah Avalanche Center said, 'There is a moderate danger of triggering a very large and dangerous avalanche. If daytime heating exceeds expected levels, the avalanche danger will increase.'
Because the snowfall had been light for several weeks, the old snow pack has not had enough time to adjust to the heavy snowfall, Tremper said.
The new snow is piling weight on a fragile, icy layer that can break loose on steep slopes.
Tremper said considerable danger exists in the Provo Mountains and Western Uintas because of low snow pack.
Changing weather conditions have made avalanche forecasting difficult.
'Deep slab instabilities are difficult to evaluate because our usual tools may not be effective,' Tremper said. 'Slope history may be as important as information gleaned from snow pits, cornice drops, and by looking at old ski or snowmobile tracks.'
Although the avalanche danger is considerable, local ski resorts assure skiers and snowboarders who stay in bounds are out of danger.
Fred Rollins, director of public relations at Snowbird Ski Resort, said the increased avalanche danger is not affecting the resort.
'We are at a heightened alert at all times, but routinely take avalanche control measures,' he said.
Rollins said Snowbird is advising its customers to avoid all backcountry sports.
'We can''t control the backcountry and are taking all possible measures to avoid avalanche in Snowbird bounds,' Rollins said.
Allen Chatwin, 18, of Henderson, Nev., and Richard Jones, 19, of Holladay, Salt Lake County, died in an avalanche while traveling the backcountry near Brighton Ski Resort Saturday, the Associated Press reported.
They were with a group of snowboarders who left the chair lift to board out of bounds.
Nathan Rafferty, director of public relations for SkiUtah, said another avalanche at a ski resort is very unlikely.
'We have some of the best people in the business taking care of our slopes,' Rafferty said.
Tremper advised snow enthusiasts to avoid steep rocky areas, and remember to use their safe travel skills.