Avalanche forecast

Provo

Issued Mar 19, 2021valid to Mar 20, 2021Utah Avalanche Center

Avalanche danger

Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline

Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago.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

Highlights

The avalanche danger is Low this morning but will rise to Moderate as the snowpack warms due to today's strong sun and warm temperatures. Avalanches involving wet snow are possible on all aspects at the mid and upper elevations, as well as low-elevation northerly slopes. Small wind drifts along upper elevation ridges as well as mid and upper northerly aspects may also be encountered.

The Spring season typically delivers the most rapid changes in weather and avalanche conditions can change quickly. Watch for any sudden changes in the snowpack, such as if it becomes wet and unsupportable or you find sensitive wind drifts.

Avalanche problems

Loose Wet
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline
Likelihood
Likely
Size
2
Although the snowpack has adjusted to the recent warmup, very warm temperatures overnight mean no overnight refreeze, and avalanches involving wet snow are possible today. This includes wet-loose avalanches, but also the possibility for wet slabs where meltwater percolates down to weaker snow in the snowpack. UAC intern McKinley Talty's observation near Box Elder from Wednesday illustrates this possible structure where they found some water pooling near an ice crust. Wet slabs may also be more likely on mid and upper elevation northerly aspects where there is dry faceted snow down near the ground. It's time to move off of a steep slope once the snow becomes wet and unsupportable.

Special Announcement

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Recent Activity

The only avalanche activity reported from Thursday was from the Salt Lake mountains involving minor wet-loose and a few small wind drifts in the alpine zones of Little Cottonwood Canyon.

Although specific to the Salt Lake mountains, our Week in Review - where we highlight significant snow and avalanche activity from this past week has been published.

Snow and Weather

Currently: Skies are clear and it's a very warm morning with weather stations reporting in the mid 30's to 40° F. Winds are from the south and gusty. At mid-elevations winds are averaging in the teens and 20's with gusts in the 30's mph. Atop Mount Ogden, winds are averaging in the 30's with gusts in the 40's mph.

Today: Clear skies and temperatures warming well into the 40's F. The south/southwest winds will remain moderate with stronger gusts. At the mid-elevations, winds will average in the teens and 20's, gusting into the 30's mph. Along the uppermost ridges, winds will average in the 30's with gusts near 50 mph.

Overnight and Saturday: Stronger winds from the south/southwest ahead of a cold front which should enter the Wasatch early Saturday morning. We are expecting decent water amounts (about 0.5") with snow totals by later Saturday of 6-8". Additional snow on Sunday. Further ahead, the first full week of Spring looks perfect - cold and unsettled.

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

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