Salt Lake
Avalanche danger
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
Highlights
The avalanche danger is Low and normal caution is advised. Watch for (1) wet snow avalanche activity on aspects facing east, through south, and west as the snow surface warms today, and (2) isolated pockets of wind-drifted snow in exposed, upper-elevation terrain.
Pay attention to changing springtime conditions and evaluate terrain carefully.
Special Announcement
Grizzly Gulch Parking will be restricted to residents and homeowners only for April 4th and 5th to promote social distancing on busy days. Recreation visitors can access the trailhead but will need to park in the Albion parking Lot, the Wildcat parking lot, or along SR-210.
Spring Awareness Campaign - Help us save lives through avalanche forecasts and education. Consider making a donation before April 8th.
Information on outdoor recreation - The State of Utah created this webpage with information about recreating on both state and federal public lands during the current health crisis.
January 5, 2019 - Read this collection of 6 stories and a podcast about that day with a low avalanche danger, 8 skier-triggered avalanches, four catch and carries, a partial and critical burial, and a trip to the emergency room.
Recent Activity
The only avalanche reported from Thursday was a small wind pocket in the Brighton Back Bowls on a northeast aspect at 10,300' (observation).
You can read all recent observations - including avalanches - here.
Snow and Weather
Currently: This morning feels more like January 3rd than April 3rd, with temperatures in the single digits. Westerly winds - which have been moderate to strong over the past few days - are now very light, less than 10 mph. The skies are clear.
Today will be sunny with continued light winds out of the south and west, with gusts in the teens. Temperatures will rise into the mid 20's through low 30's F.
Note on April precipitation at Alta Guard from Mark Saurer at UDOT:
March totals are 48" of snow with 3.96" of water (March average is 87" of snow with 7.95" of water).
The year to date total is 391" of snow with 39.92" of water. (Average year to date totals through March is 416" of snow with 38.38" of water).
We need 91" of snow in April to bring us up to our average annual snowfall (Snow total average for April is 66").
Additional Info
Skiing and riding at closed ski resorts - Some resorts allow access now, and some do not. Please check HERE for the latest info on ski area access. New to the backcountry (including riding at closed resorts) - Watch the award-winning, 15 minute Know Before You Go video, or take the 5-part, free online-learning series.
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.