Join us for the 17th Annual Professional Snow and Avalanche Workshop (PROSAW) on November 4 - Purchase tickets here!

Forecast for the Salt Lake Area Mountains

Greg Gagne
Issued by Greg Gagne on
Friday morning, November 1, 2024
Updated 6 PM on Friday, November 1.
Now that there is snow on the ground - avalanche season has begun. With snow forecast for this weekend, watch for sensitive soft slabs of storm snow and wind slabs.
If you're heading to a resort for early-season turns, be sure to check uphill policies for each resort.

We'll let you know when we begin issuing regular forecasts with danger ratings.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
Learn how to read the forecast here
Special Announcements
SAVE THE DATES!
Monday, November 4 - 17th Annual Professional Snow and Avalanche Workshop (PROSAW) - Information and tickets are available here.
Saturday, December 7 - 17th Annual Utah Snow and Avalanche Workshop (USAW) - Information and tickets available here.
Weather and Snow
Current Conditions: There is 4-8" of snow on the ground at upper elevations, with wind drifts 1-2' in isolated areas near ridgelines. (Photo below from Dave Kelly at 10,000' in Silver Fork).
This Weekend: Beginning around mid-day on Saturday, a cold storm system enters the state with most mountain locations in northern Utah receiving 5-10". Snow totals in the upper Cottonwoods will possibly exceed a foot by late Sunday.
This Week: A weak system on Tuesday may deliver a few inches of snow, with cold high pressure to follow.
Recent Avalanches
Thanks to everyone who have already submitted observations! The photo below is looking into Sunset Peak/Catherine's Pass area from Big Cottonwood - see this and other photos from B's observation of early season coverage in upper Big Cottonwood.
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Additional Information
It’s never too early to start thinking about avalanches. Here are a few things to consider doing:
  • Learn online. We have over 5 hours of free online learning at the Know Before You Go website
  • Check out the upcoming in-person Know Before You Go events HERE
  • Sign up for an on-snow class
  • Check out the UAC's education progression HERE
  • Get your avalanche rescue gear ready for winter. Put fresh batteries in your transceiver and update the firmware. Inspect your shovel and probe. Get your airbag backpack ready by possibly doing a test deployment and updating the firmware if it is an electric version or getting your canister refilled if it's not electronic.