The Utah Avalanche Center is back in full swing, and our staff is ready for another season in the mountains, and we hope you are as well.

Early-season conditions bring their own set of hazards. With a shallow snowpack, rocks, stumps, and downed trees sit just below the surface, so even a small avalanche can have serious consequences. If you’re heading into the backcountry, carry a beacon, shovel, and probe, know how to use them, and choose your terrain carefully.

With clear skies expected for the next several days, pay attention to how the snow surface changes. Snow that weakens on northerly-facing slopes during extended dry periods can become a buried weak layer once the next storm arrives, so it’s worth tracking now.

For those heading to unopened resorts, please check out the summary of each resort's policy before traveling uphill.

Early season is the perfect time to brush up on your avalanche knowledge, and there’s no shortage of resources to help. A quick review now goes a long way once the snow starts stacking up. Check out our classes and events.