Lawinenlagebericht

Salt Lake

Veröffentlicht am Jan 16, 2026gültig bis Jan 17, 2026Utah Avalanche Center

Lawinengefahr

Hochgebirge
Waldgrenze
Unterhalb der Waldgrenze

Veraltet — dieser Lagebericht ist 7 months ago abgelaufen. Du siehst vergangene Verhältnisse, nicht den aktuellen Bericht.

Kernpunkte

Overall avalanche danger for the Central Wasatch is LOW. While avalanche activity is unlikely, isolated terrain features may hold pockets of unstable snow associated with the persistent weak layer or upper elevation wind loading. Although we are seeing generally stable conditions, we should avoid complacency and use safe travel practices today, especially in upper elevation terrain.

Remember that RISK is inherent in mountain travel.

Lawinenprobleme

Persistent Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
Hochgebirge
Waldgrenze
Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
Wahrscheinlichkeit
Unlikely
Größe
3
There have been hours of discussion, head scratching and contemplation in recent days about the persistent weak layer on the northern aspects at upper elevations as it has gradually gone quiet. Personally, I spent an hour at the White Pine trailhead yesterday morning discussing with my colleagues the reactivity, or lack thereof, of the persistent weak layer over the last several days before we started a tour seeking more information about the layer. We have not seen or heard of avalanche activity involving this layer since the Stairs Gulch event last weekend, and prior to that was 10 days ago in Oingo Boingo. It doesn’t mean that the persistent weak layer is gone, but rather the mild weather and lack of loading has provided a stabilizing trend.

But let’s be very clear, low danger does not mean no danger. Areas on north aspects, particularly where the snowpack is shallow near rocks and cliffs could still be problematic. We should use safe travel techniques as we move through the mountains today and not let low rating lull us into complacency.

Recent Activity

Yesterday, a long time backcountry observer noted what looked to have been a recent natural shallow soft slab avalanche in the Caribou Basin on the Brighton Perimeter (9700’ north aspect). The reporting party thought the avalanche possibly occurred on Wednesday, January 14th...and was the result of heavy wind drifting just to the lee of the ridgeline. (pc: CFrantz)

Mark White reported a new glide release from January 13th on the Diving Board, at 10,000 feet on an East aspect, in a known repeat offender area of Broad’s Fork that covered ski tracks from the previous day in a slide 4 feet deep and about 45 feet wide that slid on the smooth rocky ground. Some glide cracks were also spotted in adjacent terrain.

Snow and Weather

Today's forecast is guest-written by good friend Luke Nelson. Luke is a PA, ski patroller, and athlete/adventurer/activist from Pocatello currently taking his Avalanche Pro 1 in the Wasatch.

Another clear sky morning as high pressure continues to hold strong. A weak cold front is expected to pass through dropping today’s temperatures a few degrees on average, with daytime lows in the upper teens to low 20s and highs in the low to mid 30s. Winds will continue to be out of the north with a slight increase compared to yesterday, 10 mph on average with gusts to 20mph on the mid elevation ridgelines and 25-30mph on average with gusts to 40 on the upper elevation peaks and ridges. The weather is starting to feel like we are waking up as Bill Murray’s character Phil in the 90’s movie Groundhog Day.

If the lack of new snow has got you down, maybe instead of singing the blues, you can take advantage of the beautiful weather, get your crew together and practice your transceiver and rescue skills. That way, when the high pressure finally breaks and the snow starts to fly, you’ll be ready. (It might be slightly outdated, but a list of avalanche beacon parks can be found HERE)

Week in Review for Friday, January 9th- Thursday, January 15, 2026 is hot off the press. You can find it HERE.

Additional Info

Essay - Is it Really LOW danger?

General Announcements

This information does not apply to developed ski areas or highways where avalanche control is normally done. This forecast is from the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, which is solely responsible for its content. This forecast describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur.

Observations and Avalanches

Backcountry Emergency Procedures