Presents coming after Christmas this year.

TLDR:

    Pretty much dry until after Christmas, followed by an active pattern starting before the new year. 

Nowcast:

    It is currently 5F at the top of the Collins lift at Alta and 13F at the base. Winds are not as bad as yesterday, but it will still be gusty. 11" in the last 12 hours was reported by Alta will make the skiing soft and fun. Clouds will be persistent throughout most of the day, but the sun may peak through a few times. 

Highrustler and the Wildcat base, Alta Ski Area

Short-term: 

    Through the next 48 to 36 hours I expect a relatively small amount of snow to fall in the central Wasatch. Through Christmas we should expect 1-3" of snow to fall at Alta-Collins, with even less falling at lower elevations. Snow levels will drop to the valley floor, so there is a chance for some flurries on the benches. The windy pattern will continue throughout the week, but the winds should slow down as the week goes on.

U of U ATMOS

Long Term:

    Through Christmas the weather in the central Wasatch looks relatively calm, there aren't large snow totals until after Christmas. I wouldn't read too far into the models this far out, but I believe this shows a good chance for an active weather pattern coming to Utah before the new year. 

Dec 27th - 30th GFS Pivotal Weather

Backcountry Comments:

If you will be traveling in the backcountry make sure you have the proper equipment and know before you go. For the whole avalanche forecast and all things avalanche head over to our friends at the Utah Avalanche Center.