Forecast - Utah Avalanche Center

Forecast for the Salt Lake Area Mountains

Issued by Nikki Champion on
Thursday morning, April 3, 2025

Today, MODERATE avalanche danger exists at upper elevations on all aspects, with human-triggered avalanches possible in wind-drifted or lingering new snow on steep terrain. Danger decreases with elevation and wind exposure, but small avalanches may still be found in isolated areas or extreme terrain at mid and lower elevations.

Carefully assess snow and terrain, as additional snowfall, increased winds, or even brief sunshine could quickly increase instability.

Use safe travel techniques—only one person on steep terrain at a time.

Low

Moderate

Considerable

High

Extreme

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Weather and Snow

Currently, skies are mostly cloudy, with light snowfall in the mountains and an additional trace to 2 inches of new snow since yesterday evening. Trailhead temperatures are in the upper teens °F, while the highest peaks sit in the low teens °F. Winds at mid-elevation ridgelines have shifted east-southeasterly, blowing in the single digits and gusting into the upper teens. At the highest ridgelines, gusts are reaching near 20 MPH, with overnight gusts peaking near 30 MPH. Easterly winds are generally not well captured in the Wasatch.

Today, skies will remain mostly cloudy, with occasional snow showers in the afternoon. Temperatures will rise into the low 30s °F. Winds at lower ridgelines will be from the northeast at 10–15 MPH, gusting to 25 MPH, while the highest ridgelines will see winds of 5–10 MPH, gusting to 20 MPH. Expect 0.5 to 1 inch of snow by 5 PM.

Recent Avalanches

Two human-triggered avalanches occurred in the upper elevation band yesterday, both at 9,500'. A 10" soft slab in West Scotties failed as new snow, while a 20" soft slab on Sidewinder was the result of wind-drifted snow.

Ski patrols found storm instabilities settled out for the most part but remained reactive to control work early in the day. Most areas saw little reactivity to ski cuts compared to Wednesday, and by the end of the day, lingering instabilities had mostly stabilized.

Soft slab from West Soctties - 10" deep, 50' wide on a W aspect - John Lemnotis

Check out all recent avalanches and observations HERE.

Type

Location

Likelihood

Size

Description

With plenty of new snow available for transport and easterly winds—a direction that is notoriously undercaptured in the Wasatch and can load terrain in unique and challenging ways—soft wind drifts may have formed at upper elevations and even some mid-elevation slopes, where human-triggered avalanches could be possible. Watch for and avoid pillowy wind features and steep slopes showing signs of wind loading, such as cracking in the new snow.

These drifts will form on the downwind side of ridges and gullies, so stay back from sensitive new cornices along ridgelines. A cornice collapse could trigger a new or wind-drifted snow avalanche.

Type

Location

Likelihood

Size

Description

The new snow stabilized quickly throughout the day yesterday. However, storm totals remain high, and temperatures are still low this morning. As a result, sluffing or soft slab avalanches involving the new snow remain possible on steep slopes outside wind-affected terrain.

Now that it's April, even brief sunshine can rapidly heat the snow, turning dry loose avalanches into wet loose slides. Lower-elevation and south-facing slopes, along with mountain roofs, will be most affected. Signs like rollerballs, dripping water, or sinking into soft snow indicate it's time to move to higher, colder terrain.

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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