Going Out with a Bang

Our latest storm cycle certainly ended with a bang this morning.  Observations from Alta-Collins show a total of 16 inches as of 3 PM, but 10 inches fell in the 4 hours and 6 inches in 2 hours ending at 8 AM. 

Storm winds were also strong.  With a peak ridge-top wind gust at 11,000 ft of 80 mph around 9 AM.  The heavy snowfall and perhaps wind transport led to some natural avalanche activity in the Y and Y-Not Couloirs on the south side of Little Cottonwood Canyon.  

Video avalanche in Y and Y-Not Couloirs in Little Cottonwood Canyon which has seen intense snowfall. #utavy @UDOTavy @UDOTcottonwoods pic.twitter.com/rRE3uX3fRy

— UtahAvalancheCenter (@UACwasatch) January 17, 2020

Strong winds were also observed at mid-elevations, even in some tree-protected areas.  Having returned from Boston after a long work trip, I headed out this morning and found it necessary to stay layered up even on the long climb. 

The MLK weekend looks dry, although there could be some periods of mid and high clouds at times.  Snow safety teams have earned this break.