Salt Lake
Avalanche danger
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
Highlights
The snowpack is generally stable, and the avalanche danger is LOW and Normal Caution is advised. The two main concerns are isolated pockets of wind-drifted snow in exposed terrain at the upper elevations and sluffing within the few inches of new snow at the surface. Specific terrain where cornice fall and glide avalanches can occur should be avoided altogether. Remember - risk is inherent in mountain travel; getting caught in even a small avalanche could have a detrimental outcome.
Special Announcement
Recent Activity
One avalanche was reported in Upper Porter Fork on a run called The Ice Box. This looks like a glide avalanche off some steep rocks (picture below).
Snow and Weather
Yesterday's storm produced 1 to 3 inches of new snow with 0.07-0.30 snow water equivalent. The good news is that this storm ushered in some colder air. Current mountain temperatures are below freezing and range from 16 to 26 °F. The wind has behaved as well, with most stations blowing 5-10 mph with gusts barely reaching 20 mph. At 11,000', the wind blows a bit harder from the west-northwest at speeds of 20-25 mph and gusts to 30 mph.
The weather will be a classic spring day, with a shortwave ridge in the morning and a shortwave trough in the afternoon. The ridge will try to bring the sun out while the trough will fight to bring some weather. We can expect partly to mostly cloudy skies, with temperatures rising into the mid-30s °F at 8,500 feet. The wind will blow 5-15 mph from the west-southwest with gusts into the 20s. Around lunchtime, we could see some snow showers, and if we were lucky, we could squeeze a few more inches of snow from the atmosphere.
Another storm is on the doorstep (Monday) with 1-2 feet of snow in the forecast.
Additional Info
Wondering what the warm temperatures have meant for avalanches and the snowpack this past week? Check out Nikki's Week in Review for details.
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.