Avalanche forecast

Salt Lake

Issued Dec 20, 2024valid to Dec 21, 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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

The avalanche danger is MODERATE on upper-elevation slopes facing west through north through southeast and mid-elevation slopes facing northwest through east where it is possible to trigger an avalanche 1-3 feet deep, failing on a persistent weak layer of faceted snow.

Recently wind-loaded slopes at the upper elevations are the most prone to avalanche.

Sluffing of loose wet snow should be expected with strong sunshine and warm temperatures.

Avalanche problems

Persistent Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline
Likelihood
Possible
Size
2
A persistent weak layer - or PWL - of faceted snow exists on northerly-facing slopes at the mid and upper-level elevations where it is possible to trigger an avalanche up to 2 feet deep and over 100 feet wide. Avalanche activity and field work this week inform us that the slopes that are most prone to slide are recently wind-loaded and have a slab of stronger snow on top of the buried PWL. If you choose to venture onto steep, northerly-facing slopes, you'll have to dig down and look for this structure of strong (firmer/denser) snow over weak (softer/loose) snow, as shown in this photo where the gray stripe is the weakest snow. In my field work yesterday, I got full propagation with extended column tests where this structure exists, indicating that although avalanches are becoming less likely, they are still possible.

Special Announcement

Now is a great time to dial in your safety gear including putting fresh new batteries in your beacons! Local shops across the state will be handing out free Batteries for Beacons 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.

Join the UAC and DPS Skis for a fun night of Avalanche Jeopardy tonight, December 20th from 6:00 - 8:30 PM at Industry SLC. More information for this FREE event is available here. See you there!

Recent Activity

The last avalanche activity reported from the backcountry occurred on Tuesday: (1) in Days Fork and, (2) Scotts Peak along the Park City ridgeline. These avalanches were on northeast aspects and 2 feet deep; with the Days Fork avalanche 800 feet wide; each failing on our buried persistent weak layer.

Despite the current benign weather, it has been an active week with several avalanches from the backcountry. Be sure to catch up with the Week in Review:

Snow and Weather

This Morning: Skies are clear and temperatures at many mountain locations are above freezing and in the mid 30's F, with the coolest temperatures at low-elevation trailheads. Winds are from the west/southwest and generally light, with the highest ridge lines gusting to 30 mph.

Today: Beacon, probe, shovel, and ..... sunhat. Sunny skies with temperatures soaring to near-record levels as they rise well into the mid and upper 40's F. Winds will be from the west/southwest with gusts in the low 20's mph along exposed mid-level ridge lines. 11,000' ridges will gust to around 30 mph.

Extended Forecast: Tomorrow is the first day of astronomical winter, but it may take a few more days to reflect this. A weak storm arrives late Sunday with a few inches of snow possible, and a decent system arriving around the 25th is looking more promising. The final week of 2024 shows hints of active weather.

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.

Observations and Avalanches

Backcountry Emergency Procedures