Salt Lake
Avalanche danger
Highlights
Although the snowpack is generally stable and avalanches are unlikely, it may be possible to find recent and fresh wind drifts along upper elevation ridgelines that are reactive. A few things to remember:
- Triggering any avalanche regardless of its size can produce serious trauma even if it doesn't bury you because the snowpack is so thin.
- Hitting rocks and stumps is a real danger. Don't end your season before it starts with an injury from hitting one of these obstacles.
- Early season avalanches are a real possibility. It doesn't matter if you are hiking, hunting, skiing, etc., be prepared with the correct rescue gear and a partner. Many people have died during early season snowstorms.
- Ski resorts all have different uphill travel policies. These closed resorts that allow uphill travel can be great places to get in a little skiing especially in you know of a rock-free slope, but it should be treated as backcountry terrain.
We will be issuing intermittent updates and publishing backcountry observations as they arrive. When we begin regular forecasts, we will begin issuing avalanche danger ratings.
Special Announcement
Early season is a great time to be thinking about increasing your avalanche education - Check all the upcoming education HERE.
Recent Activity
No avalanche activity has been reported. We have received several observations from the backcountry and this is a great way to stay informed on any recent avalanche activity and current snowpack conditions.
Snow and Weather
A storm this past week delivered 8-12" of dense snow with some graupel, with the highest amounts in upper Little Cottonwood Canyon. Winds have been from the west/northwest this week and have remained elevated, especially at the upper elevations, with averages in the 40's and gusts in the 60's mph. Wind speeds have diminished throughout the day on Friday.
Snow depths are roughly 1.5 - 3' deep above on north-facing slopes above about 9000', and the dense snow from this past week is supportable, creating decent travel conditions for an early season snowpack.
For this weekend, mostly sunny skies with mild temperatures are forecasted with overnight lows right around freezing and temperatures rising into the upper 30's and low 40's F. Winds will be from the west/northwest with gusts near 30 mph.
Looking ahead, winds will increase early this coming week, ahead of a cold front that should arrive around Tuesday. Although temperatures will drop noticeably behind the front, snowfall amounts are likely to be limited to a few inches at best.
General Announcements
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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.