Avalanche forecast

Salt Lake

Issued Dec 24, 2024valid to Dec 25, 2024Utah Avalanche Center

Avalanche danger

Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline

Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Most terrain has an overall LOW avalanche danger. Pockets of MODERATE danger, however, exist on upper-elevation slopes facing west through north through east where it is possible to trigger an avalanche 1-3 feet deep failing on a persistent weak layer of faceted snow. Carefully evaluate slopes with a deeper snowpack that have been previously wind-loaded and remain the most prone to avalanches. With strong winds from the southwest expected this afternoon, watch for and avoid any developing soft slabs around terrain features.

Heads up, any new snowfall in the coming days will add load to our poor snowpack structure and will increase the likelihood of an avalanche.

Avalanche problems

Persistent Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline
Likelihood
Unlikely
Size
2
A poor snow structure with a persistent weak layer (PWL) of faceted snow exists on shady slopes at mid and upper elevations. It'll be along the higher elevation wind drifted terrain where it is possible to trigger an avalanche 1-3 feet deep and over 100 feet wide. Signs of instability such as cracking and collapsing are more obvious at mid-elevation slopes out of the wind zone.

I am uncertain if the incoming storm will tip the scales of our PWL, but I am certain every slope holding weak snow has a tipping point. Be observant and cautious as the incoming storm adds load to our weak structure.

Photo: Drew Hardesty's snowpit below highlighting our current weak structure.

Recent Activity

No new avalanches were reported in the backcountry yesterday. The most recent backcountry avalanche occurred Saturday along the Park City ridgeline (West Monitor) on a northeast-facing slope at 9,900’ breaking 2 feet deep on a persistent weak layer of faceted snow. Last week (12/17/24) two separate avalanches were reported breaking on this persistent weak layer on upper-elevation northeast-facing terrain.

On Sunday, avalanche control work along the Park City ridgeline triggered a stubborn hard slab avalanche with heavy explosives, failing on the persistent weak layer 1.5 feet deep.

Avalanche List for the Central Wasatch HERE.

Special Announcement

Take advantage of our local shops across the state who will be handing out free Batteries for Beacons from now until February 1, 2025! All you need to do is fill out a quick survey and grab the AAA or AA batteries you need to keep your beacon fresh this season. Find participating shops and more info here.

Snow and Weather

Today's forecast is written by McKinley Talty, the UAC Education Manager. Thanks McKinley.

This morning the skies are partly cloudy and temperatures are rising. A slight temperature inversion is in place and trailhead temperatures are in the lower 20s F while ridgetop temperatures are in the lower 30s F. Winds remained light overnight (5-10 mph) and will be increasing rapidly throughout the day rising to 35-45 mph from the southwest with gusts up to 70 mph. The mountains received a skiff of snow yesterday, and we might see a few flakes begin to fall this afternoon.

An incoming storm is expected to bring snow to the region beginning this evening, and we can expect 4-8 inches of snow (0.5-0.9 inches of SWE) by tomorrow evening. Winds will decrease and shift to the NW tomorrow morning as the storm moves out of our area, bringing a short break in weather before the next system moves in. An active series of storms appears to be on track for northern Utah, beginning Thursday afternoon through the weekend, and we could be measuring snow in feet and not inches.

Recent Observations for the Central Wasatch HERE.

General Announcements

CLICK HERE FOR MORE GENERAL INFO AND FAQ

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