SALT LAKE COUNTY, Utah (ABC 4 News) - Utah Avalanche Center says avalanche danger is lower this year than last but back-country skiers still need to take precautions.
Avalanche forecaster Craig Gordon spent most of Wednesday morning above Brighton Ski Resort. "I was out in the field looking at how the new snow is interfacing with the existing snow pack," explained Gordon.
Gordon tells ABC 4 News there's good snow pack in the mountains along the central Wasatch and it's very predictable, but with the new snow coming there is some danger for those looking to ski outside the lines.
"As this next series of storms starts to unfold we're actually more concerned with the periphery areas, specifically the western Uintas and the Manti skyline," said Gordon.
It's the new snow and the promise of fresh tracks that bring out the thrill seekers, but even they know you have to be smart about it.
Skier Brandon Zinninger said, "It's something that keeps pulling you out there. If you have the knowledge to do it and are safe, and you have the gear and people with you, more power to you."
Michael Glancy added, “It’s always appealing when you get a good dumping like we’ve had the last 24-48 hours, but I think it’s a matter of ‘where do you go and how do you do it right?”
That’s exactly where the Utah Avalanche Center comes in.
Gordon suggests before anyone plans on going back-country to, “Get the most recent bulletin then match the avalanche danger with the terrain choices. It doesn’t mean we need to hide under our beds. We can enjoy all this awesome snow we just have to tone down our objectives a little bit.”
For the latest avalanche information log on to: http://utahavalanchecenter.org/
