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Forecast for the Salt Lake Area Mountains

Nikki Champion
Issued by Nikki Champion on
Thursday morning, March 21, 2024
The avalanche danger is currently LOW this morning. However, with a poor overnight refreeze and temperatures expected to climb well into the 40s F, the danger may rise to MODERATE for wet snow avalanches on steep solar aspects and some lower elevation polar aspects during periods of strong sunshine before a weak front moves through the area late this afternoon.
Watch for changing conditions; once the snow becomes wet, unsupportable, and unstable, it's time to move off of these aspects.
Avoid traveling on or underneath corniced ridgelines, as cornices may collapse due to warming. Terrain prone to glide avalanches should also be avoided.
Low
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High
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Special Announcements
Based upon the gouging, long running wet slide in Flagstaff on the afternoon of March 20th, please use cautious consideration when traveling or skiing above roadways, structures, other people during this period of warm weather.
Support the UAC website backend platform to ensure the ongoing security of the website and the data stored on the site rebuild by donating to our spring campaign. Save lives by making a donation today!
The Utah Avalanche Center is hosting The Banff Film Festival on Thursday, March 21, and Friday, March 22 in Moab.
Weather and Snow
This morning, under scattered skies, temperatures range from the upper 20s to mid-30s °F, without any periods of temperatures below freezing in many areas. West-northwesterly winds have increased to near 10-15 mph with gusts in the 20s at most elevations, and gusts near 35 mph at the uppermost elevations.
Today will be mostly sunny, becoming partly cloudy with isolated snow showers. It will be another warm day, with strong sunshine and temperatures rising well into the upper 40s°F. Winds will be from the west/northwest and rising a bit, with gusts around 45 mph. Wind, sun, and warm temperatures have taken a toll on snow surfaces, but dry, chalky snow may still be found on upper-elevation northerly aspects and a few hours of corn in the late morning hours.
Outlook: A strong cold front is forecasted to cross the area Saturday afternoon into Saturday evening, bringing a period of heavy snow. Anticipate a shift to northwest flow following the front. There might be a period of light or no precipitation Sunday morning before widespread snow showers redevelop in the afternoon, spurred by the spring sun's heating. Snowfall totals could be between 8-16" of new snow.
Recent Avalanches
Continued reports of small point releases, rollerballs, and pinwheels on many aspects during periods of afternoon heating. In the Flagstaff Gully, a natural wet loose avalanche occurred, triggered by an unknown factor, potentially linked to a rock pile above the starting zone, resulting in a 14-inch deep, 100-foot wide avalanche with a vertical drop of 1,250 feet, depositing 15-20 feet of wet debris on the mining road above the town of Alta.
Photo of the Flagstaff natural wet-loose avalanche that entrained a lot of snow. D. Kelly
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Avalanche Problem #1
Wet Snow
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
The increased winds, slightly cooler temperatures, and approaching front should minimize wet snow occurrences compared to earlier this week. However, temperatures are still expected to reach the upper 40s, accompanied by strong sunshine. During these sunny periods, avalanches involving wet snow are likely, especially on steep slopes facing east/south/west and low-elevation northerly terrain as temperatures rise. Wet snow can be managed by moving to shadier slopes once the surface heats up. Watch for signs like rollerballs and sluffing.
Avoid traveling under large cornices, as they may collapse due to heating. Glide avalanches remain a concern in areas like Stairs Gulch, Broads Fork, Mill B South, and Mineral Fork.
"Slide for life" conditions will become present with the incoming cooler temperatures, causing previously damp surfaces to freeze solid, making self-arrest nearly impossible. Ensure you have sharp equipment and the necessary skills for self-arrest if traveling on these slopes.
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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