Forecast - Utah Avalanche Center

Forecast for the Salt Lake Area Mountains

Issued by Nikki Champion on
Monday morning, March 17, 2025

There is CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger in upper-elevation terrain and in mid-elevation terrain facing north through east, where strong winds and soft snow have created dangerous avalanche conditions. Human-triggered avalanches are likely in these areas, up to 2 feet deep and over 150 feet wide.

The avalanche danger is MODERATE on other aspects and elevations, where natural avalanches are less likely, but human-triggered avalanches are still possible.

Be ready to adjust your tour plan based on your observations. Watch for wind-drifted snow at higher elevations and wet snow at mid and lower elevations. Limit exposure by having one person at a time on steep slopes (greater than 30°), and always be mindful of those below you. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding, and conservative decision-making will be key today.

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Weather and Snow

This morning, skies are partly cloudy, with temperatures ranging from the mid 20s to low 30s°F. Winds are coming from the southwest at 15-25 MPH, gusting into the 40s at lower ridgelines, and 25-40 MPH, gusting into the 60s and 70s at higher ridgelines.

Today, skies will be partly sunny, and temperatures will rise into the low 40s°F. Winds will continue from the southwest, blowing 25-35 MPH with gusts up to 45 MPH at lower ridgelines, and 30-40 MPH gusting to 75 MPH at the highest peaks. Winds will remain elevated throughout the day, peaking early in the evening ahead of the incoming cold front.

A storm system will push a strong cold front into the area, bringing periods of moderate to heavy snow near and behind the front. Total storm snowfall is expected to range from 14 to 24 inches, with 1.15 to 1.90 inches of water from March 17 to March 19.

This time of year, the key is to get the new snow before the sun does, regardless of air temperatures.

Recent Avalanches

Yesterday, multiple reports highlighted widespread soft slabs of wind-drifted snow failing on density changes across the Salt Lake area backcountry. There was significant drifting snow and obvious transport throughout the day, with cracking observed along ridgelines. Ski resorts also reported sensitive wind slabs at upper-elevation ridgelines.

Check out all recent avalanches and observations HERE.

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Winds have increased since yesterday, with gusts reaching 80 mph on upper ridgelines and expected to remain strong throughout the day.

With abundant soft snow for transport, these winds are rapidly building both soft and hard wind slabs. Expect these slabs to grow larger and more cohesive as the day progresses. While most noticeable on leeward north to east slopes, high winds can load any aspect and drift snow farther downslope than anticipated.

Use caution in steep terrain where drifting snow has accumulated. Watch for signs of instability such as cracking, collapsing, new cornice growth, or pillowy features. If you spot any of these, avoid traveling on or beneath wind-loaded slopes. Cornices are growing larger and are more likely to fail during high winds or warming temperatures—give them a wide berth.

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The March sun is strong. Regardless of air temperatures and wind speeds we could see wet loose avalanches, roof slides, and get a gloppy snow surface at lower elevations on all aspects and mid-elevation south facing aspects. Timing is key—get off steep, sunlit slopes as they warm.

These are the kind of avalanches that may impact more than your group, so please be aware of who may be traveling below or above you while you're out and about. Even a small avalanche may entrain a lot of snow today.

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The likelihood of triggering an avalanche on the deeply buried facets near the ground continues to decrease but remains a concern in thinner spots on northwest through northeast-facing slopes at mid and upper elevations.

A second persistent weak layer, a thin dust layer buried in early March, now sits 2 to 3 feet deep. While easy to identify, recent tests show propagation is becoming more difficult.

These layers are most concerning in areas with any additional wind loading, where the risk of a deeper avalanche stepping down into a weak layer is highest.

This storm has been a key test for both weak layers. While I wouldn’t call them dormant yet, we seem to be turning the corner on this season’s persistent weak layer problem.

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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