Salt Lake
Avalanche danger
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
Highlights
The snowpack is generally stable, and avalanche danger is LOW this morning, with normal caution advised. The primary concerns are wet snow on steep, sun-exposed slopes and lingering new snow instabilities in sheltered upper-elevation terrain.
Cloud cover and increasing winds throughout the day should help keep wet snow in check. However, during the early afternoon—when skies are clear and temperatures peak—strong sunshine may cause avalanche danger to rise to MODERATE on east, south, and west-facing slopes. In these areas, it could become possible for humans to trigger wet loose avalanches.
Remember, if the snow is becoming damp or unsupportable and you're seeing roller balls on any aspect or elevation, it's time to get out of there.
Special Announcement
Motorized Users—Please consider taking this 5-minute survey to help researchers better understand avalanche education participation and safety preparedness. Responses are anonymous and confidential.
Recent Activity
No new avalanches were reported to the UAC, though there is evidence of a wet loose avalanche cycle on south, west, and some mid-elevation east-facing slopes, as seen in Dave's observation yesterday.
See the recent avalanche list HERE.
Snow and Weather
This morning, under clear skies, mountain temperatures range from the low 20s to low 30s °F. Winds are blowing from the west-northwest at 10–20 mph across most mid-elevations elevations. At the highest ridgelines, winds are slightly stronger from the northwest, averaging 20–25 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
Today will be another beautiful day, starting with sunshine and increasing high clouds through the afternoon. Temperatures will warm quickly, climbing into the upper 40s and low 50s °F. Winds will shift to the west-southwest and gradually increase throughout the day. The gusty southwesterlies will build ahead of a passing trough, which will graze northern Utah this evening and overnight. While this system will briefly pause the warming trend, no measurable precipitation is expected. Expect winds at mid-elevation ridgelines to average 10–25 mph, with gusts into the 40s on the higher peaks.
Yesterday’s warmth and strong sunshine melted the snow surface on all sunny aspects and at lower elevations, leaving behind a stout crust this morning. That said, many people still found excellent riding and turning conditions on shady slopes at mid and upper elevations. Lingering soft snow is holding on in those areas—but each warm day chips away at it a little more.
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.