Forecast: Salt Lake Area Mountains - Utah Avalanche Center

Forecast for the Salt Lake Area Mountains

Issued by Dave Kelly on
Monday morning, January 30, 2023

The avalanche danger is CONSIDERABLE on upper elevations for wind-drifted surface snow. The avalanche danger is MODERATE for new snow avalanches running on a crust/facet combination buried 2-3' below the surface at mid and upper elevations. The avalanche danger is LOW in lower elevation terrain. Expect to see dry loose avalanches in steep terrain and on any solar warmed slopes.

Cold temperatures may keep natural activity at bay today, however human triggered avalanches are still likely in upper elevation terrain. There is world-class riding to be had on lower angle slopes and I will be assessing the new/old snow interface anywhere there is a crust present before traveling onto terrain approaching 35 degrees.

Low

Moderate

Considerable

High

Extreme

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Special Announcements

There were multiple human triggered avalanches this weekend that were not reported. If you trigger or see an avalanche, call the nearest mountain dispatch and alert them to the situation, this will allow search and rescue teams to determine what resources are needed. Get more information HERE.

Yesterday there were reports of backcountry travelers entering into ski area terrain during avalanche control work on the Park City Ridgeline. There are multiple reasons why this is hazardous to your health. Please do your homework and be aware of where their boundaries and avalanche closures are.

Weather and Snow

Under partly cloudy skies temperatures are in the single digits F. Winds are blowing lightly from the west at the 9000' ridgelines and blowing from the northwest 25 gusting to 30 MPH at the 11,000' ridgelines. Last night 1-2" of low-density snow fell. Today, winds will blow from the northwest 15 MPH gusting to 20 MPH at the 9,000' ridgelines and 20 gusting to 30 MPH at the 11,000' ridgelines. Skies will be partly cloudy with temperatures 11-15 F.

Recent Avalanches

There were a few reports over the weekend of avalanches 100-450' wide that ran on the interface between the new snow and the faceted crust. This crust/facet combination is most pronounced on west and southeast aspects. I would be digging down 2-3' deep to determine if this crust was present and how it was reacting to extended column tests before getting onto slopes approaching 35 degrees.

As of this morning we have had 27 avalanche reports from the Ogden, Salt Lake, and Provo regions from Saturday and Sunday with more slowly trickling in. There are some great observations and we appreciate everyone that takes the time to share what they see. Check out all observations HERE.

Type

Location

Likelihood

Size

Description

Although wind speeds have dropped this morning there is still low-density new snow available for transport. Watch for cracking in the surface snow and avoid smooth rounded pillowy features below ridge tops and on the leeward side of gullies. Any slopes with large overhanging cornices will be a sign that the slope below has seen recent wind loading and has the potential to avalanche with the additional weight of an ascending or descending rider.

Wind slab underneath a cornice (Photo-M. White)

Type

Location

Likelihood

Size

Description

Over the last few days there were a few new snow slab avalanches that got my attention all failing on the old/new interface where there was a crust present. There is a great report HERE from an AIARE Pro 2 class about how they assessed this crust facet combination.

Southeast facing Silver Fork 9,000' 100' wide
Southeast facing Mt Wolverine 10,400' 450' wide
West facing Patsy Marley 9400' 300' wide.

Loose dry avalanches are possible in steep terrain at all elevations. Watch for warming on solar aspects at mid and low elevations and avoid traveling underneath these slopes as loose dry avalanches may entrain enough snow to push you over a cliff band or into trees.

Avalanche crown on Wolverine Shoulder (Photo Z. Little)

Additional Information

Mark and I discuss this weekend's avalanche activity and forecaster mindset in this video.

General Announcements

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.

Observations and Avalanches

Backcountry Emergency Procedures