Salt Lake
Avalanche danger
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
Highlights
The avalanche danger is LOW. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features. Remember that risk is inherent in mountain travel.
Shallow soft slabs of wind drifted snow may be found along upper elevation north-facing terrain features today. Falling in steep terrain and being unable to stop on the hard, refrozen snow surface remains a hazard. Continue to maintain safe travel habits; this means exposing one person at a time to avalanche terrain, having someone watch them from a safe location, and not traveling above or below other parties.
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Recent Activity
Yesterday, no new avalanches were reported in the backcountry. Reports of wet avalanches from the 28th and 29th continue to roll in.
As always, find all recent observations and avalanches HERE.
Snow and Weather
Under mostly clear skies the mountains are cold this morning. Temperatures are averaging in the single digits at trailheads, and hovering near 0 F at ridgelines. Winds have transitioned more westerly and are averaging 5-15 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph at mid-elevations and 45 mph at upper elevations. Yesterday a trace amount of snow fell in the mountains.
Today, high pressure will begin to build but mountain temperatures will remain chilly throughout the day. Under partly cloudy skies, temperatures will average in the mid-20s F, and winds will be north northwesterly averaging 10-20 mph, with gusts up to 25 mph at mid-elevations and 35 mph at upper elevations.
Starting Wednesday a warming trend moves into the area. Bringing clear sunny skies, and very warm temperatures by this weekend. On Sunday, the snow surface became very damp. With the large temperature drop, any snow that was at all damp will now be frozen solid into a sheet of ice. Beyond the fact that riding on these firm conditions can be hazardous due to the inability to stop, the riding quality will likely be low in any areas with this refrozen surface. The best hopes of good riding would be the uppermost elevation terrain features that still hold any dry snow.
General Announcements
Please visit this website with information about Responsible Winter Recreation by the Utah Office of Outdoor Recreation.
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.