Join us at our 2nd Annual Blizzard Ball

Forecast for the Salt Lake Area Mountains

Nikki Champion
Issued by Nikki Champion on
Wednesday morning, April 15, 2020
The avalanche danger is LOW. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features. Remember that risk is inherent in mountain travel.

New snow and increased winds will likely lead to minor sluffing on the steepest slopes and shallow wind drifts along the upper elevation bands today. In areas the high winds have scoured the slopes and exposed the steep frozen surface below, dangerous slide-for-life conditions will exist.
Pay attention to changing conditions, periods of increased snowfall will lead to increased avalanche danger.
Low
Moderate
Considerable
High
Extreme
Learn how to read the forecast here
Special Announcements
The Avalanche Research Program at Simon Fraser University is conducting an online survey to examine how people use avalanche safety information. They want to hear from all backcountry users to understand how they process information provided in public avalanche forecasts. Anyone who completes the survey before May 15th will be entered to win cash prizes.
Chapter 7 of the Low Danger Series - The Crossing
Weather and Snow
Another cold morning, mountain temperatures are in the mid-upper 20s F at trailheads and low to mid-teens at ridgelines. Winds are west north-westerly, averaging 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph at mid-elevations. At upper elevations, winds are blowing 40 mph, with gusts near 70 mph. Snow has lightly begun falling bringing up to 3 inches so far.
Today will be a return to winter with increased winds and snow totals. Mountain temperatures will be in the mid-20s to low 30s F. Winds will remain elevated, averaging 15-25 mph at mid-elevations. At upper-elevations, winds will average 30-40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph. Snow showers will continue throughout the day and could be 2-5 inches of snow before dark.
Snow will continue to fall at times into tomorrow evening. The storm totals could get up to 10 inches of snow before tapering off into the weekend.
Recent Avalanches
No new avalanche activity reported in the backcountry yesterday.
Ad
Avalanche Problem #1
Normal Caution
Type
Location
Likelihood
Size
Description
Today, the overall avalanche danger is LOW. This means that human-triggered avalanches are unlikely, but small avalanches in isolated areas are possible.
Today I would watch for:
Wind slabs: A few inches of new snow in combination with strong WNW winds will create sensitive shallow slabs of wind drifted that will be found along the highest elevation bands this morning. These drifts will look smooth, rounded, pillowy, and/or scalloped and should crack out in steep terrain. Remember that even a small wind slab can be problematic in very steep and complicated terrain.
New Snow: The new snow will primarily have a firm surface to fall onto. It would only take a few inches of snowfall to start seeing the loose snow move around on steep slopes. If we see more snow than expected this afternoon, sluffing is likely in the steeper terrain...and may run naturally during periods of heavy snowfall. Same as above, even a small avalanche in the new snow can be problematic in complex terrain. Think about the terrain you are traveling above today.
Slide-for-life: With such high winds, the new snow could easily be scoured off windward slopes and expose the firm icy slopes below. Hard icy conditions aren't an avalanche concern, but a hazard nonetheless in steep terrain where you wouldn't be able to stop if you fell.
Additional Information
Information on outdoor recreation - The State of Utah created this webpage with information about recreating on both state and federal public lands during the current health crisis.

Skiing and riding at closed ski resorts - Some resorts allow access now, and some do not. Please check HERE for the latest info on ski area access.

New to the backcountry (including riding at closed resorts) - Watch the award-winning, 15 minute Know Before You Go video, or take the 5-part, free online-learning series.
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.