We are trending toward a deep, conditionally stable snowpack, but the glue needs to set. It's not there yet, but it's getting there.

The past week's storms that brought 4 - 6” of snow-water-equivalent and wind have stressed many of the older dormant weak layers from October and November. In the recent days, avalanche control teams have triggered some very large avalanches at or near the ground. These monsters have all been in mid to upper elevation north to east facing terrain. None of these have been skier or snowmobile triggered, but a person finding a thin spot or triggering a more superficial avalanche may be enough to trip the trigger. Trending toward low-probability and high-consequence. Certainly any entanglement with one of these deep slab avalanches would be fatal. The mid-Dec and early Jan weak layers are also stressed from the week's loading events and may be more reactive outside of the Cottonwoods (Snake Creek, upper American Fork, Grandview/Bountiful Sessions). These avalanches may be found as well on mid-elevation southeast facing slopes.

Previous crusting of the snow surface will help slow or stem a major wet avalanche cycle, but I expect both natural and human triggered wet avalanches on the steep sunlit slopes today. Watch for the tell-tale signs of thaw-instability such as rollerballs and pinwheels or if the snow becomes wet and unsupportable. If you've overstayed your welcome, move to a cooler aspect or seek low angle terrain. More info on wet avalanches can be found in the Avalanche Encyclopedia here.