Forecast - Utah Avalanche Center

Forecast for the Salt Lake Area Mountains

Issued by Dave Kelly on
Tuesday morning, April 1, 2025

The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE in upper elevation terrain where it will be likely for humans to trigger new or wind-drifted snow avalanches in steep terrain. The avalanche danger will go down as you lose elevation today and get out of the wind zone.

With any hint of April sun, there is a chance of seeing wet avalanches in low elevation or southerly facing terrain. Practice good travel techniques and only expose one person at time to steep terrain.

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Moderate

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High

Extreme

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Weather and Snow

Currently, under overcast skies it is snowing lightly. Weather stations are reporting 4"-9" of new snow and .40"-.96" snow water equivalent (SWE). Trailhead temperatures are in the mid 20's °F and the highest peaks are in the low teens °F. Winds are blowing from the west 5 gusting to 10 MPH at the lower ridgelines and from the west and northwest at the highest peaks in the 20's gusting to the 30's MPH with some overnight gusts pushing into the 60's and 70's MPH at the 11,000' peaks.

Today, look for an additional 4"-8" of snow with .40"-.80" SWE tapering off by this evening. There is a chance of more snow if we get lake effect or thunder snow. Temperatures will be between 22 and 28 °F and winds will blow from the west-northwest 15 gusting to 25 MPH at the lower ridgelines and 25 gusting to 45 MPH at the higher ridgelines. Yesterday's storm started with a heavy layer of graupel combined with a layer of dirt and appeared to have bonded well to the old snow surface.

Recent Avalanches

Yesterday, there were no reports of avalanches from the backcountry in the Salt Lake Region. Forecaster Nikki Champion was in Big Cottonwood Canyon and found shallow cracking isolated to the new snow (photo below).

Check out all recent avalanches and observations HERE.

Type

Location

Likelihood

Size

Description

There is more new snow available for transport and it will be likely for humans to trigger soft wind-drifts in mid and upper elevation terrain. Look for and avoid pillowy wind features and avoid steep slopes that have signs of wind loading such as cracking in the new snow.

These drifts will be on the downwind side of ridges and gully features and you will want to stay back from sensitive new cornices on ridgelines.

Type

Location

Likelihood

Size

Description

The new snow has bonded well to the old snow surface; however, you may see shallow dry loose avalanches running on density changes with the newest snow. These may be 4"-8" deep and isolated to steeper terrain features.

It is now April and any hint of sun will turn the new snow into a mushy mess. Particular concern should be given to roofs in mountain neighborhoods, and lower elevation and southerly facing slopes which will be most impacted by any sun, even for a moment.

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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