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Forecast for the Salt Lake Area Mountains

Greg Gagne
Issued by Greg Gagne on
Friday morning, December 27, 2024
The Utah Avalanche Center has issued an Avalanche Warning for the Central Wasatch mountains. The avalanche danger will rise to HIGH this morning as heavy snowfall and strong winds will overload a weak snowpack on slopes facing northwest through east where avalanches may break down 2-4 feet and over a hundred feet wide. Both human-triggered and natural avalanches are likely.
There is a CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger on upper-elevation southerly-facing slopes and mid-elevation northerly-facing slopes.
There is a MODERATE danger on low-elevation northerly-facing slopes and mid-elevation southerly-facing slopes.
The avalanche danger is expected to remain HIGH into next week.
Low
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High
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Avalanche Warning
What: Heavy snowfall and drifting by strong winds will elevate the backcountry avalanche danger over the next several days. Very dangerous conditions and HIGH avalanche danger are expected to develop in many areas.
When: Very dangerous conditions are expected in many backcountry areas through the weekend.
Where: For the mountains of Northern Utah and Southeastern Idaho, including The Wasatch Range and the Bear River Range.
Impacts: Very dangerous avalanche conditions are expected to develop on many slopes. Avalanches can be triggered on slopes steeper than 30 degrees. They may also be triggered remotely (from a distance) or from below.
What to do: Avoid traveling on or underneath steep terrain at mid and upper elevations in the backcountry. Carry and know how to use avalanche rescue equipment. Find safer riding conditions on slopes less than 30 degrees with no overhead hazard.
Weather and Snow
This Morning: Temperatures are in the upper teens and low 20's F. Winds are from the west. 10,000' wind speeds are averaging in the teens with gusts in the 20's mph along exposed ridges. 11,000' winds are averaging in the 30's with gusts in the upper 40's mph. 24-hour snowfall totals are 6-9 inches containing up to 0.50 inches of water (snow water equivalent/SWE).
Today: The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning through 11 pm Saturday. Heavy snow and strong winds are forecast to arrive mid-morning. We are expecting 7-12 inches of snow during the day, with 9,000' winds averaging in the teens with gusts near 30 mph. Much stronger at the upper elevations where winds will average in the 30's mph with gusts in the 50's, possibly even stronger.
Extended: More snow and wind over the weekend and into Monday.
Recent Avalanches
An avalanche on a recently wind-loaded slope on the northeast face of Reynolds Peak was reported on Thursday afternoon. The avalanche was up to 16 inches deep and 100 feet wide. Snow safety teams from nearby resorts reported sensitive soft slabs of storm and wind-drifted snow. (Photo: Mark White)
All recent observations are available here.
Be sure to read Nikki's Week in Review as part of your regular planning.
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Avalanche Problem #1
Persistent Weak Layer
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
There is a weak layer of faceted snow at the mid and upper elevations on slopes facing west through north and east, including some upper-elevation southeast aspects. Strong winds and heavy snowfall forecast for today will overload this widespread persistent weak layer (PWL), creating dangerous avalanche conditions. Avoid being on, underneath, or adjacent to slopes steeper than 30 degrees. Avalanches involving PWLs can be triggered remotely (from a distance).
Video: Discussion about the snowpack.
Avalanche Problem #2
Wind Drifted Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Strong winds will drift snow on many aspects at the mid and upper elevations. Watch for cracking and collapsing as they indicate sensitive wind-drifting. On slopes with a PWL, avalanches involving fresh wind drifts may break down into old faceted snow, creating much larger avalanches.
Avalanche Problem #3
New Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Watch for sensitive soft slabs of new snow, especially during any period of high precipitation intensity. Today's snowfall may have density inversions which can create especially sensitive soft slabs of new snow.
General Announcements
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.
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