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Forecast for the Salt Lake Area Mountains

Greg Gagne
Issued by Greg Gagne on
Friday morning, November 8, 2024
Updated at 6 PM on Friday, November 8.
Welcome to the start of the 2024-2025 winter season.
Thanks for checking the forecast, and stay tuned. We’ll issue updates as conditions warrant, with regular forecasts and danger ratings starting in December.
You can find 6"-18" of snow on northerly facing terrain above 8,500'. With such thin coverage, even a small avalanche could result in a traumatic ride over rocks.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
Learn how to read the forecast here
Special Announcements
Weather and Snow

Snow depths are 6"-18" above 8,500' with some isolated areas along upper elevation ridges close to 2'. Drew Hardesty traveled along the Park City Ridgeline on Friday, 11/8 where he saw 12-16" of snow on northerly aspects (photo below). With a low sun angle, cold temperatures, and clear skies, Drew - and others - have noticed the thin snowpack is weakening and becoming faceted. For now, this is not a problem, but keep in mind this existing snow will be a possible weak layer once we begin to receive more snow.
But you may be wondering: when will we receive more snow? For this weekend, expect mostly clear skies, light winds, and temperatures warming into the upper 30's through mid 40's F. We are expecting a weak storm on Tuesday that may deliver a few inches of snow, with high pressure returning on Wednesday. The weather models have been inconsistent, but are hinting at a storm around the weekend of November 16/17.
Recent Avalanches
There were reports of shallow wind drifts and dry loose avalanches on steep terrain over the last few days. Find all recent observations HERE.
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Additional Information
It’s never too early to start thinking about avalanches. Here are a few things to consider doing:
  • Before traveling within one of the ski resort boundaries, even early season, check out Resort Uphill Policies
  • We have over 5 hours of free online learning at the Know Before You Go Website
  • Sign up for an on-snow class or in in person Know Before you Go Event 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