Avalanche forecast

Salt Lake

Issued Dec 25, 2024valid to Dec 26, 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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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 and east and some mid-elevation slopes facing northwest through northeast where it is possible to trigger an avalanche 1-3 feet deep, failing in a persistent weak layer of faceted snow. Recently wind-loaded slopes are the most prone to avalanche.

Expect a rising avalanche danger with additional snowfall and wind forecast for the next several days.

Avalanche problems

Persistent Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline
Likelihood
Possible
Size
2
There is a widespread persistent weak layer (PWL) of faceted snow on mid and upper-elevation slopes facing northwest through north and east, including some upper-elevation slopes facing west and southeast - where it is possible to trigger an avalanche 1-3 feet deep. Slopes that have recently been wind-loaded are the most prone to avalanche, such as the photo below from Tuesday's avalanche near Catherine's Pass. I don't think the recent south/southwest winds and today's snowfall are enough of a load to increase the danger substantially, but I also simply don't trust this PWL and I continue to avoid steep, north-facing slopes that have been wind-loaded and have a structure of stronger/denser snow over weaker/looser snow.

The shady, northerly slopes where this PWL exists will become increasingly dangerous with more snow and wind forecast beginning Thursday.

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.

Recent Activity

There was an avalanche accident in the Logan area mountains on Tuesday with a complete burial, but fortunately, a quick companion rescue using a transceiver and only minor injuries. The avalanche was 2 feet deep and 500 feet wide. A video from the scene is below.

An avalanche (likely skier-triggered) on Tuesday in the Salt Lake mountains near Catherine's Pass on a wind-loaded northeast-facing slope at 10,400'. The avalanche was 12-14 inches deep, 60 feet wide, and ran 300 vertical feet. The avalanche appeared to break below the skier and the rider was not caught.

A list of recent observations and avalanches for the Salt Lake mountains can be found here.

Snow and Weather

"It was a stern night landscape. The sound of the freezing of the snow over the land seemed to roar deep into the earth. There was no moon. The stars, almost too many of them to be true, came forward so brightly that it was as if they were falling with the swiftness of the void. As the stars came nearer, the sky retreated deeper and deeper into the night colour." -- From "Snow Country" by Yasunari Kawabati

6 am: Temperatures are in the low 20's F. Winds are from the south and have been sustained over the past 24 hours, averaging in the 20's mph, with gusts in the 30's and 40's mph along exposed ridgelines above 9,500'. The winds have diminished overnight and are now averaging less than 10 mph, with gusts in the teens and 20's mph along exposed ridges at the mid and upper elevations. 2-3 inches of new snow has fallen overnight.

Recent warm temperatures and a few inches of snowfall have greatly improved riding and travel conditions.

Today: Temperatures will rise into the upper 20's F and winds will shift to the northwest this morning, averaging in the teens with gusts in the 20's along exposed ridge lines at the mid and upper elevations. We are expecting 1-3 inches of snow during the day, with areas favored in a northwest flow (such as the upper Cottonwoods) possibly picking up a few additional inches of snowfall.

Extended Forecast: After a break later today, snowfall will return on Thursday, with a long-duration snow event expected through the rest of the year. Weather model runs are inconsistent, but snowfall over 2 feet with 2-3 inches of water is possible by the New Year.

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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