Avalanche danger along the Wasatch Front diminished somewhat Wednesday to a moderate status as colder temperatures and reduced winds helped stabilize slopes more.
Carol Ciliberti of the Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center predicts avalanche activity to remain somewhat isolated now, with the most danger confined to the steep, wind-loaded terrain at the upper elevations, steep rocky terrain with a shallower snowpack, and in big open bowls.
She said the new snow falling Wednesday will not alter the danger substantially, because the new snow is low in density.
Ciliberti advises approaching all steep terrain and cornices with caution, and avoiding obviously wind-loaded slopes. Collapsing and cracking are obvious signs of instability. Human-triggered avalanches are possible in these areas and if triggered, the slides could be large and very dangerous.
The danger is considered highest on slopes of 35 degrees and steeper, but the high winds Tuesday have produced danger in odd places, such as off the main ridges.
Three slides were reported Tuesday, though no one was injured. One slide was on a Park City ridge, another in the mountains near Provo and a third in the Ogden area. For more Salt Lake area avalanche information, call 364-1581, or go online to www.avalanche.org and click on Salt Lake.