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Forecast for the Salt Lake Area Mountains

Greg Gagne
Issued by Greg Gagne on
Friday morning, March 20, 2020
The avalanche danger is Low on all aspects and elevations. However, risk is inherent when traveling in avalanche terrain, and things to watch for today include (1) sluffing on steep aspects, (2) wet-loose snow due to warming, and (3) sensitivities in new snow during any period of heavier snowfall.
Closed ski resorts must be treated as the backcountry.
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Special Announcements
We know there is a lot of uncertainty regarding the Coronavirus, but the Utah Avalanche Center is planning to continue issuing regular avalanche forecasts into April.
Uphill Travel at Ski Areas - Some closed resorts are offering limited uphill access, and policies may change daily. The latest information about uphill access from Ski Utah is posted HERE.
Weather and Snow
Currently: temperatures are in the upper teens to low 20's F and winds are very light, less than 10 mph as high as 11,000'. A few additional inches of snow fell yesterday, with 6-12" of settled snow since Wednesday.
The storm snow has fallen right-side-up (lighter snow on top of denser snow) and has bonded well to the old snow surface. Riding conditions are excellent.
Today: Expect mostly cloudy skies with very light winds, less than 10 mph. Temperatures will rise into the 20's and low to mid 30's F. Occasional snow showers may bring a few inches of fresh snow during the day.
Looking ahead, benign weather for this weekend with warming and drying conditions. A return to winter is forecasted by mid-week with cold, unsettled conditions expected.
Happy first full day of Spring!
Recent Avalanches
Only minor sluffing in the steepest terrain was reported from the backcountry on Thursday. [Mark White]
On Tuesday a large chunk of cornice fell in upper Days Fork and carried some snow downhill with it. Cornices are quite large this time of year. If you are traveling along a ridgeline, cornices may break back much further than expected.
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Avalanche Problem #1
Normal Caution
Type
Location
Likelihood
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Description
The overall danger is Low and avalanches are unlikely. However, travel in avalanche terrain is never without risk, and three concerns to watch for today are:
1. sluffing in the new snow on steep aspects;
2. the snow quickly becoming reactive to warming due to sun or greenhousing;
3. new snow sensitivities during any period of heavy snowfall.
Additionally, keep in mind that closed ski resorts are performing no avalanche control work and must be treated as the backcountry.
Additional Information
If you are new to backcountry skiing (perhaps you are hiking uphill at a closed resort), the UAC has published an award-winning educational series Know Before You Go. This includes:
- A basic 15-minute avalanche awareness video
- A free online-learning series with five interactive courses
But don't stop here. Commit yourself to take an avalanche awareness class during the 2020/21 season!
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.
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