Avalanche forecast

Salt Lake

Issued Apr 6, 2026valid to Apr 7, 2026Utah Avalanche Center

Avalanche danger

Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline

Out of date — this forecast expired 5 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The avalanche danger is MODERATE on all slopes at the mid and upper elevations. Expect avalanches involving long-running, loose/wet snow as the snow surface heats up this morning. You may also find shallow pockets of wind-drifted snow on northerly aspects at the mid and upper elevations.

Although sunshine is forecast for today, any period of high/thin clouds may lead to greenhousing and cause the snow to become reactive on all aspects.

Avalanche problems

Loose Wet
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline
Likelihood
Possible
Size
2
Despite strong sunshine the past few days, light winds combined with temperatures that have remained just cool enough have kept wet snow activity confined to shallow - but long-running - avalanches involving wet-loose snow. With continued sunshine and slightly warmer temperatures forecast, we can expect similar avalanche activity today. Larger wet slab avalanches aren't expected, but are possible.

Avalanches involving wet snow will occur on slopes facing east/south/west, but mid-elevation northerly slopes may become more active, especially if we see any period of clouds which will trap heat (a process known as "green-housing").

Wet, loose avalanches on a steep east-facing aspect in upper White Pine Canyon this past weekend.
Wind Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline
Likelihood
Possible
Size
2
The storm snow that fell last week was reactive on Friday, with 18 human-triggered avalanches where 10 riders were caught and carried. Weaknesses within the storm snow continue to settle out, and the likelihood of triggering an avalanche failing within the storm slab is diminishing. Saturday's avalanche on Box Elder and the two avalanches that occurred on Sunday involving wind-drifted snow indicate pockets of sensitive snow remain. You are most likely to find these conditions on northerly aspects above 10,000 feet.

Special Announcement

New UAC Podcast Episode: Longtime local professionals Jenna Malone and Chris Brown sat down with us to discuss Utah's Backcountry Culture and Etiquette—especially relevant this weekend. Give it a listen on your ride upcanyon, and maybe take a look at Jenna's timeless Ascent Backcountry Snow Journal piece "Mountain Manners (and why they matter)"

Human Factor Research: Researchers Ian McCammon and Sara Boilen are developing new tools for managing human factors for backcountry skiers and boarders. This survey asks about personal experiences with human factors and will take 7-8 minutes to complete. Link is HERE

Recent Activity

Despite plenty of sunshine this weekend, freshening winds and moderate temperatures kept the snow surface cool, resulting in minor, wet-loose avalanche activity. Two small, rider-triggered avalanches involving wind-loaded, dry snow were reported on Sunday:

- Silver Fork Headwall - North-facing at 9,800 feet. 10 inches deep and 40 feet wide (photo below)

- Scotties Bowl - North-facing at 9,300 feet. 8 inches deep and 30-40 feet wide.

On Saturday, an experienced party triggered an avalanche on Box Elder Peak involving wind-drifted snow. Although the avalanche was not that large (18 inches deep and 50 feet wide), two riders were caught and carried in consequential terrain.

Friday brought 18 reported skier-triggered avalanches in the backcountry, with at least 10 catch and carries, and one helicopter evacuation due to traumatic injuries secondary to avalanche involvement. There were numerous other close calls.

Snow and Weather

This Morning: Skies are clear and temperatures range through the 30's °F. Winds are from the west/southwest and light, averaging in the teens with gusts in the low 20's mph along exposed ridges at the mid and upper elevations.

Today: Skies will be mostly sunny, with temperatures rising into the 40's and low 50's °F. Winds will be from the west/southwest and remain light, with the strongest gusts in the 20's mph at the upper elevations.

This Week: Mostly sunny with daytime temperatures rising into the low 50's and light winds. We may see more active weather returning late this week.

We have published February 2026: Four Avalanche Fatalities in Five Days: a community review with most of the UAC Salt Lake office. This 38-minute video is worth sitting down and digesting. A huge thanks to UAC Education Manager & Forecaster McKinley Talty for his hard work putting this together behind the scenes.

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