If you plan on hitting the ski slopes today, be aware that the Utah Avalanche Center is warning that the potential for deadly snow slides is rated "high" --an elevated, dangerous level.
Recent snowfall, and the expectation of even more of the white stuff through this weekend, is further burdening an already weak snowpack. Friday alone had some half-dozen avalanche reports in Utah, though, fortunately, no fatalities.
The risk Saturday is just as bad if not worse. Forecasters urge skiers to avoid steep slopes in the backcountry for the next several days -- and to stay within approved ski resort boundaries if you do venture out on skis or snowboards.
Also, stay informed on changing road conditions. For example, Little Cottonwood Canyon was closed for avalanche control work Saturday morning from 6 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
For up-to-date information on other such closures, you can call the Utah Department of Transportation at (801) 975-4838.
The National Weather Service predicts snowfall of 5 to 10 inches in the state's mountains by Saturday night. More snowfall is expected overnight, into Sunday morning.
By Saturday morning, another foot of new snow had come down at the higher elevations of several key northern Utah mountain regions, among them Big and Little Cottonwood canyons, the Park City Ridgeline and the Provo areas. The Ogden mountains received 6 to 10 inches.