Forecast: Salt Lake Area Mountains - Utah Avalanche Center

Forecast for the Salt Lake Area Mountains

Issued by Nikki Champion on
Wednesday morning, February 26, 2025

Today, MODERATE avalanche danger exists on mid and upper-elevation slopes facing east, north, and west, where triggering a persistent weak layer avalanche is possible. Additionally, MODERATE danger extends to all mid and upper-elevation terrain for recent slabs of wind-drifted snow.

All other slopes have a LOW avalanche danger. Winds should help keep the snow surface cool, but on lower-elevation slopes, warming throughout the day could increase the risk of wet-loose avalanches, especially on solar aspects.

Careful snow and terrain evaluation is crucial, as human-triggered avalanches remain possible. When in doubt, sticking to terrain under 30° will lead to both safer travel and the softest turns.

Low

Moderate

Considerable

High

Extreme

Learn how to read the forecast here

Weather and Snow

This morning, under clear skies, temperatures range from the upper teens at trailheads to single digits at ridgetops. Winds are northwesterly, averaging 5-10 mph at mid-elevations with gusts to 20 mph, and 15-25 mph at ridgetops, gusting 30-40 mph. Overnight gusts peaked near 70 mph but have been steadily decreasing since midnight. If any snow swirled around last night, none of it stuck.

Today will be mostly sunny with clear skies. Temperatures will rise into the upper 20s to mid-30s. Northwest winds will stay breezy through the morning before tapering off—averaging 10-15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph at mid-elevations and 20-35 mph with gusts to 50 mph at ridgetops. There’s a slight chance of a quick burst of moisture, but it’ll likely just be a few flakes with no accumulation.

This weekend could bring a bit of light precipitation from a cutoff low, but a more active storm pattern is looking likely early next week. Timing is still uncertain, but current projections show the storm arriving early Monday and lasting through Wednesday morning, with the heaviest snowfall expected in the first half of that window. Forecasts suggest a wide range of possible totals, from around 0.40 inches of water in a drier scenario to up to 3.00 inches in a wetter one. With that much variability, it’s a storm worth keeping an eye on.

After days of warm temperatures followed by overnight refreezes, the snow surface has taken a beating. Expect a firm crust on most aspects and elevations this morning.

Recent Avalanches

There are still reports coming in from last week's avalanche cycle and our recent observations page has all the updated details.

UAC forecasters went to check out recent close calls from over the weekend. You can check out the updated avalanche reports from Ant Knolls and Mt Aire; HERE, and HERE.

Type

Location

Likelihood

Size

Description

A mix of buried persistent weak layers makes for a complex and variable problem. Avalanches failing on buried facets are more likely in thin, rocky areas and terrain that slid earlier this season - referred to as repeater slopes. These facets near the ground were responsible for the recent avalanche on Ant Knolls in the Northern Provo Region.

We're also seeing avalanches breaking at the new/old snow interface, acting more like persistent weak layer avalanches in the mid-elevations. In some cases, the only way to identify this weak layer is by digging and performing a stability test. If you hear collapsing on any aspect or elevation, it's a clear red flag—stick to lower-angle terrain.

This buried weak layer isn’t done yet. Late February usually brings a shift in mindset toward spring conditions, but this season is different. Give the snowpack time to settle.

Video (Drew and I) discussing the recent rider triggered persistent weak layer avalanche from Ant Knolls.

Type

Location

Likelihood

Size

Description

Elevated winds continue to form wind drifts on all aspects at mid and upper elevations. Cornices have grown large and may break farther back from ridgelines than expected. With warm temperatures on the horizon make sure to give them a wide berth.

Any avalanche involving wind-drifted snow could step down to a buried persistent weak layer.

Type

Location

Likelihood

Size

Description

If the sun comes out in full force and temperatures rise above freezing, the mid and lower elevation snowpack outside wind-affected areas may become saturated, increasing the risk of wet snow avalanches.

Avoid being under avalanche terrain on mid and lower slopes, especially during the heat of the day.

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