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Forecast for the Salt Lake Area Mountains

Trent Meisenheimer
Issued by Trent Meisenheimer on
Wednesday morning, March 4, 2020
The avalanche danger is LOW. However, unstable snow still exists in isolated areas. It's most likely to be found in steep radical terrain at the higher elevations where the wind is blowing.
Accidents are possible where even a small avalanche may lead to traumatic injury in unforgiving terrain.
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Special Announcements
UAC forecaster Trent Meisenheimer and retired Director of the UAC Bruce Tremper will be discussing the science of avalanches at Black Diamond Retail Store (2092 E 3900 S, SLC) at 7:00 PM on Thursday March 5. DETAILS
Weather and Snow
Under clear skies, the current mountain temperatures are in the mid 20's °F above about 9,000'. At many of the lower elevation trailheads (7,400'), the current temperatures are sitting in the mid-teens °F. Westerly winds picked up overnight and are currently blowing 10-15 mph gusting into the 20's along the upper elevation ridgelines.
Plenty of sunshine today and by this afternoon, the mountain temperatures will climb into the upper 30's °F at about 9,000'. The 10,000' (700 millibar) temperature is forecasted to stay below freezing today. Westerly winds will remain in the 10-20 mph range across the upper elevations and will start to increase around the dinner hour.
The best riding and turning conditions will be found in sheltered terrain that hasn't been damaged by the wind and sun. I found the lower angled slopes to have the best riding as it would keep you off the underlying crust.
Recent Avalanches
One human triggered avalanche was reported yesterday from Upper Bells Canyon. It was a wind slab avalanche 50' feet wide and 18" inches deep on an SW facing slope at 10,800' in elevation. Nobody caught. The observation can be found HERE. Otherwise, pretty quiet.
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Avalanche Problem #1
Normal Caution
Type
Location
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Description
The westerly winds remain gusty up high, and I wouldn't be surprised to see a few new and old wind slabs that remain active today, especially in the upper elevation exposed terrain. Yesterday's avalanche from Upper Bells Canyon is a good example. Remember that extreme terrain dramatically amplifies the consequences of even a shallowly triggered avalanche.
I am unsure if we will see Wet Loose Avalanche activity today. Cooler temps and westerly winds could counteract the intense March sun. However, keep an eye on the southerly facing terrain, and if you see rollerballs cascading down the terrain or the upper snow surface becomes damp and wet, it's time to change your aspect.
General Announcements
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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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