With great sadness, the Utah Avalanche Center reports that a 57-year old skier, Kurt Damschroder of Park City, was killed Saturday, January 30 in a backcountry avalanche off of Square Top Peak, located on the Park City Ridgeline. The final accident report can be found HERE. Our thoughts go out to those affected by this tragic accident, especially the family and friends of Kurt.

Since February 1, there have been nine other avalanche fatalities in the US.

The Wednesday/Thursday storm delivered 6-8" of snow to the Ogden mountains and another cold and windy storm is forecasted for today with heavy snowfall and strong winds. As of 6 am, temperatures range through teens with strong winds from the west/southwestwest. At mid- elevations winds are averaging in the 20's mph with gusts in the 30's mph. Along upper-elevation ridgelines winds are gusting in the 40's mph. Atop Mount Ogden gusts are in the 50's mph.

Snowfall will begin this morning and continue throughout the day with periods of heavy snow likely. By late afternoon 8-12" of snow are possible, with possibly higher amounts around Ben Lomond and the southern Bear River Range. The west/northwest winds will continue to be strong through much of the day, averaging in the 20's and 30's mph at the mid-elevations and 40's at the upper elevations. Very strong gusts of 40-50 mph can be expected at the mid and upper elevations with gusts exceeding 50 mph on Mount Ogden. Temperatures will be in the low 20's F.

Snowfall should continue overnight and into Saturday morning, with an additional 2-4" possible.